Drones violate no-fly zone over nuclear plant in Belgium, Liege Airport operations suspended

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Three drones were spotted on Sunday evening over the Doel nuclear power plant in Belgium, according to Belga News Agency.

The operator Engie confirmed the sighting of three drones while reaffirming that there was no impact on the plant’s operations.

Speaking to VRT NWS news channel, Energy expert Luc Pauwels said Doel is a "no-fly zone" and that the ban was "clearly breached."

"But the reactors are designed to withstand aircraft impacts, from small planes to large passenger jets, meaning drones pose no structural threat," Pauwels added.

Air traffic at Liege Airport was also halted again on Sunday evening after its operations were briefly suspended on Friday.

The latest incidents follow two previous disruptions last week. Flights to and from Liege Airport were temporarily halted on Tuesday and Thursday evenings after drones were observed, while similar incidents also occurred at Brussels Airport.

Recent months have seen a series of drone incursions in several European countries, sometimes near airports or military facilities, including over a Belgian military base.

Some European officials have blamed the incidents on Russia, linking them to a hybrid war and the continuing Ukraine conflict. Moscow, however, has firmly denied any involvement.