Belgium to convene security council after drone spotted at Brussels Airport

BRUSSELS — Belgian authorities will hold a meeting of the national security council Thursday morning in the wake of Brussels Airport being shut down late Tuesday following a drone incursion, Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s office announced today.

De Wever will convene the heads of all services — police, military and intelligence — as well as public prosecutors, to discuss recent drone activity and possible counter-measures.  

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said today that the drone incident “was not the work of amateurs,” and Belgium is investigating whether it can call on neighboring countries for assistance. 

Drones were spotted earlier this month over several Belgian military bases. Francken said the drones were believed to be attempting to spy on fighter jets and ammunition depots.

The drone incursion caused 28 flight cancellations on Tuesday evening; another 54 flights were canceled at Brussels Airport today, affecting 22 departing and 32 arriving flights.