Repeated Shutdowns Disrupt Travel
Munich Airport is gradually resuming activity after a turbulent 24 hours marked by repeated drone intrusions. Air traffic was first halted late Thursday night when controllers reported drones in the vicinity of the runways, forcing an abrupt suspension of flights. A second wave of sightings on Friday evening once again shut down Germany’s second-busiest airport, creating widespread disruption and forcing planes to divert to other hubs including Nuremberg and Frankfurt.
Travelers Face Long Delays and Cancellations
The closures affected thousands of passengers, many of whom were stranded overnight inside the terminal. Airport authorities distributed food, drinks, and temporary bedding to ease the situation. By Saturday morning, limited departures and arrivals had resumed, but airlines warned of continued cancellations and significant delays as schedules were adjusted. Officials urged travelers to verify flight status before heading to the airport.
Unanswered Questions Over Security
Police and aviation authorities are investigating the source of the drone flights, though no suspects have been identified and details on the number or type of drones remain unclear. The incidents have intensified political debate in Germany about the vulnerability of airports and other infrastructure to unauthorized drones. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has called for urgent new legislation to expand the use of counter-drone technologies and potentially involve the military in protecting critical airspace.
