Khaberni - Denmark has decided to ban civil drones flights across the country this week to ensure security as Copenhagen hosts a European Union summit, according to the Danish Ministry of Transport.
The spotting of unidentified drones flying across Denmark since September 22 has temporarily closed several airports, with Denmark suggesting possible Russian involvement, which Moscow has denied.
Copenhagen is hosting a European Union summit on Wednesday and Thursday.
In a statement, Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen said, "Denmark is hosting EU leaders this week and there will be an additional focus on security.. therefore, we will close, from Monday to Friday, Denmark's airspace to all civil drones."
He added, "This way we eliminate the risk that can be caused by mixing enemy drones and legal drones."
Violating the ban may lead to a fine or imprisonment for up to two years, according to the ministry.
Justice Minister Peter Hammelgaard in the same statement said that the purpose of the ban is to facilitate the work of the police and other authorities.
He confirmed that "the police are on alert, and authorities must use their forces as necessary to protect Danes and guests."
He added that the ban means that the police will not need to "divert their efforts onto civil drones" that do not pose a security and police issue.
The Danish police announced on Saturday that they had received more than 500 reports of drone sightings.
