Esbjerg Airport in Denmark is set to replace its Chinese surveillance cameras as part of a broader move driven by new European cybersecurity regulations. The change aligns with the upcoming national implementation of the EU’s NIS2 directive, aimed at protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Chinese Cameras to Be Removed from Danish Airport
Esbjerg Airport, located in southwestern Denmark, is currently in the process of removing surveillance cameras manufactured in China. Airport authorities confirmed that the replacement is not a reaction to recent drone activity near the airport, but rather a planned upgrade prompted by evolving security regulations.
The decision was made following guidance from the municipality’s Finance Committee and endorsed by the airport’s management. Esbjerg Airport is classified as critical infrastructure, which brings it under the scope of the upcoming NIS2 directive – an EU legislative effort that aims to strengthen cybersecurity standards across member states.
NIS2 Directive and Cybersecurity Compliance
The Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) came into effect across the EU in January 2023. However, Denmark has not yet implemented it into national law, missing the official October 2024 deadline. The Danish government now anticipates that the legislation will take formal effect in 2025.
The directive imposes stricter cybersecurity rules on sectors considered vital to national interests, such as transport, energy, health, and finance. It includes enhanced obligations around incident reporting, risk management, and internal security controls. For facilities like airports, which depend heavily on digital monitoring and data networks, the regulation will bring notable changes.
The NIS2 directive also introduces the possibility of penalties if organizations fail to comply. As such, Danish institutions are beginning to proactively align their technology systems with the coming rules.
Effort Already Underway in Esbjerg
Officials at Esbjerg Airport have confirmed that the removal process for the Chinese surveillance equipment is already underway. Although no fixed deadline has been set, the airport is developing a comprehensive specification for the new systems that meet the EU’s standards for cybersecurity and data protection.
The airport did not reveal the number of cameras to be replaced or the specific brand of Chinese equipment currently in use. However, similar operations across Europe have focused on products from companies such as Hikvision and Dahua, which have faced scrutiny over alleged ties to the Chinese government. Denmark is now one of several European countries taking steps to remove this kind of hardware from critical systems.
Associated Costs Still Unknown
While the replacement effort has begun, Esbjerg Airport has yet to disclose the projected expense of the project. The airport authority noted that the cost of upgrading surveillance systems would be consolidated into broader security enhancements already planned for the site.
The lack of a cost estimate at this stage is not unusual in infrastructure upgrades, particularly when governed by evolving regulatory demands. For reference, similar surveillance system overhauls in other European regional airports have ranged from $500,000 to $1.2 million, depending on the scale of the installation and technology specifications.
Possible Broader Impact on Danish Airports
It remains unclear whether this requirement to remove Chinese surveillance equipment will be mandated across all airports in Denmark. The Danish Transport Authority, which oversees national aviation security, has not yet responded to inquiries about whether a blanket policy will apply nationwide following NIS2 implementation.
Given that the directive emphasizes securing all critical infrastructure, it is likely that airports in cities such as Copenhagen, Aalborg, and Billund may also need to conduct similar reviews of their surveillance and communications systems.
Drone Sightings Not the Cause
Notably, the decision to remove the cameras is unrelated to recent drone sightings near Esbjerg Airport. On Wednesday evening, drones were reported flying in the vicinity, prompting security attention but not affecting airport operations. While unrelated, such incidents underscore growing concerns about the intersection of physical and cyber aviation threats in today’s security climate.
National Cyber Preparedness Gathering Pace
Denmark’s overdue implementation of the NIS2 directive has led several institutions and municipalities to advance preparations independently. As critical infrastructure like airports, hospitals, and energy providers gear up to meet stricter cybersecurity demands, the removal of vulnerable hardware is seen as a necessary first step.
Over 160 entities in Denmark are expected to fall directly under the scope of NIS2, with dozens more affected indirectly through supply chain relationships. This creates a significant operational and financial task for both the public and private sectors.
Esbjerg Airport’s actions highlight how the directive is beginning to reshape national cybersecurity strategies, especially in areas where digital vulnerabilities could have steep consequences. The upcoming months may see more Danish operators follow suit as the country moves closer to embracing the renewed regulatory environment.
