Twin Shutdowns Shake Airport Operations
Munich Airport is gradually returning to service after two separate drone incidents caused significant disruption. The first closure occurred late Thursday night when air traffic controllers detected drones near the runways, grounding all flights. After briefly reopening Friday morning, the airport was forced to halt operations again later that day following additional drone sightings, prompting diversions to nearby airports such as Stuttgart and Frankfurt.
Thousands Affected by Flight Disruptions
The repeated closures stranded thousands of passengers, with over 6,500 impacted during the second suspension. Many travelers spent the night in the terminal, where airport staff provided temporary bedding, food, and refreshments. Limited flights resumed on Saturday morning, but airlines cautioned that delays and cancellations would persist as operations gradually normalize.
Authorities Seek Solutions Amid Security Concerns
Officials have not identified the source of the drone flights, and the number and type of drones involved remain unclear. The incidents have renewed discussions about the vulnerability of key transport hubs to drone interference. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt pledged rapid legislative action to expand counter-drone capabilities, including the potential use of military assets to protect critical airport infrastructure.
