Three unmanned aerial vehicles were spotted over the Doel nuclear power plant on the evening of 9 November, just hours after drone activity forced a 55-minute suspension of flights at Liège Airport.
Energy operator Engie said the drones did not compromise reactor safety, but the National Crisis Centre confirmed the no-fly zone violation and opened a security investigation. The Scheldewaas police declined to comment pending the probe.
![New Drone Incidents Halt Liège Flights and Violate Doel Nuclear No-Fly Zone]()
Earlier the same evening, Liège Airport—a key European cargo hub—halted operations at 19:30 when staff reported multiple drones in controlled airspace. Traffic resumed at 20:25, but freight forwarders warned of cascading delays as night-time slots are critical for express shipments.
The back-to-back incidents mark the fourth consecutive day of drone disruption in Belgium and amplify pressure on authorities to fast-track anti-drone legislation and technology purchases. Operators of time-critical supply chains, especially pharma and e-commerce, should review contingency routings via Luxembourg or Cologne-Bonn.
Risk analysts note that nuclear-facility overflights could trigger stricter airspace closures under EU Regulation (EC) 551/2004, potentially expanding the radius of travel disruption beyond aviation to include nearby motorways and rail corridors.
Energy operator Engie said the drones did not compromise reactor safety, but the National Crisis Centre confirmed the no-fly zone violation and opened a security investigation. The Scheldewaas police declined to comment pending the probe.
Earlier the same evening, Liège Airport—a key European cargo hub—halted operations at 19:30 when staff reported multiple drones in controlled airspace. Traffic resumed at 20:25, but freight forwarders warned of cascading delays as night-time slots are critical for express shipments.
The back-to-back incidents mark the fourth consecutive day of drone disruption in Belgium and amplify pressure on authorities to fast-track anti-drone legislation and technology purchases. Operators of time-critical supply chains, especially pharma and e-commerce, should review contingency routings via Luxembourg or Cologne-Bonn.
Risk analysts note that nuclear-facility overflights could trigger stricter airspace closures under EU Regulation (EC) 551/2004, potentially expanding the radius of travel disruption beyond aviation to include nearby motorways and rail corridors.
