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Germany Munich Airport drone disruptions continued early Saturday after authorities shut down the airport for the second time in less than 24 hours. Federal police confirmed new drone sightings late Friday, forcing another temporary halt to all flights. The airport, one of Germany’s busiest, resumed limited operations at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) Saturday. Normally, flights begin at 5 a.m. But because of Friday night’s disruption, delays rippled throughout the day.
Officials said two drones were spotted near both the north and south runways shortly before 11 p.m. Friday. The drones quickly disappeared before authorities could identify them.
Thousands of Travelers Affected
According to airport authorities, at least 6,500 passengers were affected by the latest overnight closure. The previous shutdown, from Thursday night into Friday, disrupted flights for nearly 3,000 passengers. “We are working closely with law enforcement to stabilize operations,” airport officials said in a statement. However, they warned that delays would persist as flight schedules adjusted through the weekend.
Rising Drone Threat Across Europe
The incident is part of a growing wave of mysterious drone activity over European airspace. Similar sightings have occurred near critical infrastructure and airports across several EU countries. In Belgium, drones were spotted overnight above a military base. Meanwhile, in Norway, a separate drone incident near Oslo disrupted flights late last month. Authorities across Europe have expressed concern that the pattern of incursions may be coordinated. While some officials suspect Russian involvement, experts caution that anyone with drone access could be responsible. Moscow has repeatedly denied any role in the incidents.
Germany Calls for EU-Wide Drone Defense Plan
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced that European leaders would discuss the situation at a high-level meeting in Munich this weekend. He emphasized the need for stronger cooperation on drone detection and airspace defense. “We are in a race between drone threat and drone defense,” Dobrindt said. “We want to and must win this race.” He made the remarks in Saarbrücken, where he joined Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron for the 35th anniversary of German reunification.
European Security on Alert
The repeated Germany Munich Airport drone disruptions have amplified pressure on EU governments to enhance airspace monitoring. Aviation experts say drone incursions pose growing risks not only to flight safety but also to national security.
For continuing updates on European aviation security and drone-related incidents, visit PhoenixQ News.
