Munich Airport Suspended Again Amid Drone Scare

Munich Airport was forced to halt operations for a second consecutive day on Friday due to multiple drone sightings, affecting dozens of flights and more than 6,000 passengers.

Airports across Denmark, Norway, and Poland have recently suspended flights over unidentified drone incursions, while authorities in Romania and Estonia have attributed some incidents to Russia, a claim Moscow has denied.

According to an airport statement, operations were restricted from 9:30 pm, with flights subsequently cancelled after drones were spotted.

• Incoming flights diverted: 23
• Flights to Munich cancelled: 12
• Departures cancelled or delayed until Saturday: 46
• Total passengers affected: 6,500

A police spokesman confirmed to AFP: “Two simultaneous confirmed drone sightings by police patrols occurred just before 11 pm around the north and south runways. The drones immediately moved away before they could be identified.”

The airport added: “As on the previous night, in collaboration with airlines, we promptly provided supplies for passengers in the terminals. Camp beds were set up, along with blankets, drinks, and snacks.”

Normal service was expected to resume at 5:00 am on Saturday.

Thursday’s disruption saw over 30 flights cancelled, leaving nearly 3,000 passengers stranded.

• First drones spotted: 8:30 pm Thursday near Freising and Erding, areas adjacent to the airport.
• Erding Airfield: Used by the German military; some drones were reportedly spotted above the facility, although police could not confirm.
• Airport complex sightings: Around 9:05 pm near the perimeter, and approximately 10:05 pm over the main airport.
• Runway closures: Both runways were closed until midnight.
• Police helicopters deployed, though the type and number of drones remain unknown.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt called Thursday’s incident a “wake-up call”, highlighting the growing challenge of defending against drones.

“The race between drone threats and defences is becoming increasingly difficult. More funding and research are urgently needed at both the national and European levels.”

The government is expected to approve legal changes allowing the military and police to shoot down drones if required. Bavarian State Premier Markus Soeder stated: “We must be able to shoot drones down immediately instead of waiting. Police should also have this power.”

The incidents coincided with German Unity Day, a national holiday, and the final weekend of Oktoberfest, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors daily. The festival had already been partially suspended on Wednesday due to a bomb scare.

Recent drone sightings in Denmark, Estonia, and Poland have heightened fears that Russia’s assault on Ukraine could spill over into European territory.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: Warned Europe that recent incursions show Moscow seeking to “escalate” aggression.
• Germany: Reported a swarm of drones over military and industrial sites last week.
• Denmark: Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasised that Russia is Europe’s main security threat.
• Moscow: Denied involvement, with President Vladimir Putin accusing Europe of stoking hysteria to justify higher military spending.