Drone incident at Helsinki Airport. Photo: Aleksandra Suzi / Shutterstock.com Air traffic operations at Helsinki Airport resumed early Friday morning after authorities temporarily suspended flights between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM, triggering widespread disruption for travelers.
Although operations have restarted, passengers are still being warned to expect delays and cancellations throughout the day, as the earlier interruption continues to affect both arriving and departing flights.
"Passengers are advised to carefully follow updates from their airline regarding their specific flight. Finavia’s airports remained open as normal on Friday, May 15," said the airport.
At the early hours of the morning, Mari Rantanen, Finland's Minister of the Interior informed the public of the danger alert issued "due to a possible dangerous drone."
"People are urged to move indoors and stay there until they are notified that the danger has passed. Official actions are underway, and the defense forces have increased their surveillance and counter-capability," said the minister, following Helsinki City Rescue Department's hazard alert issued at 03:49 AM.
"Potentially dangerous unmanned aerial vehicle, i.e., drone, may be moving in the airspace. People in the area are urged to move to indoor spaces and stay there until the end of the hazard situation is announced. If you cannot get to indoor spaces, seek the most sheltered place possible," said the city rescue department.
Minister Rantanen: "It was a precautionary measure. The danger has now passed and daily life can continue normally. The authorities will provide more information on the matter later."
Similar drone incidents have been reported in recent months across Europe at airports in Denmark, Norway, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Belgium, Germany, and the Czech Republic.