Brussels Airport, Belgium’s primary international hub, faced significant disruptions on Wednesday as dozens of flights were canceled following drone sightings that forced a temporary closure. This unprecedented incident prompted Prime Minister Bart De Wever to call an urgent meeting with senior ministers to address escalating safety concerns. The shutdown, which occurred on Tuesday evening, led to the cancellation of 54 flights and the diversion of 24 others, leaving approximately 400-500 passengers stranded overnight. The airport provided beds, water, and snacks to accommodate affected travelers, emphasizing that passenger and staff safety remains its top priority. This event marks the first time Brussels Airport has been closed due to drone activity, coming just days after unidentified drones were spotted near a military base storing U.S. nuclear weapons. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that repeated drone incidents pose a direct threat to national security and require a coordinated response. Defense Minister Theo Francken suggested that the drone operations were sophisticated and likely part of a spying operation aimed at destabilization. This incident adds to a growing trend of drone-related disruptions across Europe, including a recent shutdown at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport. Belgium, home to NATO and EU headquarters, faces heightened security challenges, particularly amid discussions about using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, a move that De Wever warned could provoke Russian retaliation.