Munich Airport in Germany experienced a temporary closure on Thursday night due to a series of drone sightings. This incident marks the latest disruption at a European aviation hub linked to drone flights. Shortly after 10 p.m. local time, 17 flights were grounded, impacting approximately 3,000 travelers.
Details of the Incident
The airport reported that 15 incoming flights were redirected to various cities, including Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, and Vienna. Flight tracking data indicated several aircraft were circling around Munich Airport before changing course. By 11 p.m., operations remained in flux as some departing flights waited to take off while others were canceled.
Impact on Passengers
Passengers affected by the drone sightings were provided with food, drinks, and blankets. A Lufthansa spokesperson confirmed that 19 of their flights had either been canceled or diverted due to the airport’s temporary closure, including three long-haul flights to Asia.
- 17 flights canceled shortly after 10 p.m. local time.
- Approx. 3,000 passengers affected.
- 15 flights diverted to Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, and Vienna.
- 19 Lufthansa flights impacted.
The airport, the main hub for Lufthansa, served nearly 20 million travelers in the first half of this year. Airport officials stated that operations were expected to resume at 5 a.m. the following day.
Broader Context of Drone Sightings in Europe
Munich’s incident follows a recent spate of drone sightings that disrupted multiple airports in Denmark, leading to significant passenger disruptions. In response, Denmark prohibited all civil drone flights in its airspace ahead of an European leaders’ summit in Copenhagen focusing on security and support for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.
During the summit, discussions included the implementation of a “drone wall” initiative. This would enhance detection and interception systems across EU nations to address potential drone threats effectively.
Heightened Security Concerns
Concerns have escalated across Europe regarding drone activity, particularly with recent reports of alleged incursions by Russian drones into NATO airspace over Poland and Romania. Furthermore, Russian fighter jets were accused of violating Estonian airspace.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted that while the origin of the drone sightings in Denmark remains uncertain, the growing threat to European security predominantly comes from Russia. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in these drone incidents.
The situation surrounding drone sightings remains dynamic, and authorities are continuously evaluating the potential implications for air travel safety across Europe.
