Munich Airport in Germany reopened on October 3 after a disruption caused by multiple drone sightings the previous night. The incident forced the airport to close and resulted in the cancellation of at least 17 flights, impacting nearly 3,000 passengers and their associated cargo. Authorities also diverted an additional 15 flights to nearby cities as a precautionary measure.
The first drone sightings occurred at 21:30 local time on October 2, with a subsequent sighting reported an hour later. Due to the nighttime conditions, details regarding the type, size, or origins of the drones remain unconfirmed. Stefan Bayer, spokesperson for the Federal Police, shared this information with Bild Newspaper.
By the morning of October 3, operations at the airport resumed “according to schedule,” according to a spokesperson for the German flag carrier Lufthansa. The airline faced significant operational challenges due to the drone activity, which raised concerns about air traffic safety.
In a related incident, reports from Belgian media indicated that authorities are investigating sightings of 15 drones over the Elsenborn military site near the German border. These occurrences add to a growing list of drone-related incidents across Europe. Recently, 20 Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace, and Russian MiG-31 jets entered Estonian airspace, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
In response to the increase in drone sightings, a summit of European leaders is scheduled to take place in Copenhagen this week. During a previous summit on October 1, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Europe is currently experiencing a hybrid war initiated by Russia. She emphasized the need for the continent to bolster its defenses, according to AP News.
The drone incidents at Munich Airport not only caused logistical challenges but also raised broader security concerns across Europe. As authorities continue to investigate multiple sightings, the impact on air travel and safety measures is likely to remain a significant topic of discussion in the coming days.
