Man arrested for aviation intoxication after drone drama at airport
A man has been arrested on suspicion of aviation intoxication following a drone incident at Sundsvall-Timrå Airport. The event triggered alarms and evacuations, but involved an intoxicated individual handling the drone. Police are now investigating the case further.
The incident occurred late on the evening of October 15 at Sundsvall-Timrå Airport in Västernorrland. According to police, a drone was reported flying near the airport's airspace, leading to immediate security measures. The airport was partially evacuated, and air traffic was halted temporarily.
Police arrested a man in his 40s at the scene, suspected of aviation intoxication, meaning operating an aircraft under the influence of alcohol or other substances. "We received a report of a suspected drone, and upon checking, the man was found to be impaired," said police spokesperson Anna Johansson in a comment to SVT.
The background is Sweden's recent tightening of rules on drone flying near airports due to safety risks. Several false alarms have been reported previously, often caused by birds or stars, but this case involved a real drone. The man denies the crime and claims he was unaware of the prohibition.
In addition to aviation intoxication, police are investigating whether the man violated aviation law. The airport resumed operations shortly afterward with no damage to aircraft or personnel. Experts warn of increasing drone incidents in Sweden, particularly in northern regions with military presence.
No other sources mention international connections or weapon development related to this specific event, which focuses on the local arrest.