Drone Activity Forces Two Separate Shutdowns
Munich Airport is slowly resuming operations after two instances of drone activity near the runways forced flight suspensions. The first closure occurred late Thursday night when controllers halted all arrivals and departures. Although flights resumed temporarily on Friday morning, further drone sightings later in the day led to another suspension, causing several aircraft to be diverted to nearby airports including Stuttgart and Vienna.
Thousands of Passengers Delayed
The repeated disruptions left thousands of travelers stranded, with more than 6,500 people affected during the second closure alone. Many had to spend the night in the terminals, relying on airport staff for temporary bedding, food, and beverages. Flight services have now partially resumed, but airlines cautioned that delays and cancellations may continue as schedules are adjusted.
Officials Seek to Strengthen Security Measures
Authorities have not yet identified the operators of the drones or confirmed how many devices were involved. The incidents have sparked renewed concerns over the security of key transport hubs. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans to expedite legislation to improve counter-drone defenses, including potential military support to protect airports and other critical infrastructure.
