Multiple Drone Sightings Disrupt Munich Airport Flights | Germany Security Risk

Multiple Drone Sightings Disrupt Flights at Munich Airport — Germany Faces Security Challenge

On October 4, 2025, air traffic at Munich Airport in Germany was thrown into chaos after multiple drone sightings forced the closure of both runways. This was the second such disruption in less than 24 hours, leaving more than 6,500 passengers stranded as flights were delayed, canceled, or diverted to other airports.

Airport officials confirmed that the incident occurred late Friday night around 11 p.m., when police reported spotting two drones flying near the northern and southern runways. The drones disappeared before security forces could identify or intercept them. As a result, operations were suspended overnight, and limited flights resumed around 7 a.m. on Saturday morning.

This disruption followed a similar closure earlier in the day, when drone sightings had already halted airport operations. Officials warned that repeated incidents highlight major gaps in Germany’s ability to counter unauthorized drones near critical infrastructure.

Passengers stuck at the airport were provided with blankets, food, and drinks to ease the disruption, while airlines advised travelers to check directly with their carriers for updates. Many spent the night on camp beds set up by airport staff as security authorities assessed the threat.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt condemned the incident, describing it as a serious security risk. He stated that while not every drone constitutes a direct attack, such intrusions can create “massive threats and disruption” to air traffic. Dobrindt suggested that police should be granted legal powers to request military assistance in dealing with drone-related incidents, especially when rapid intervention is required.

The situation has also raised concerns across the European Union. Similar drone intrusions were recently reported in Belgium and Norway. Some security analysts suspect that Russia could be using hybrid warfare tactics linked to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, though Moscow has strongly denied these allegations.

Authorities in Germany are now considering new measures to protect airports, including advanced detection systems, stricter drone regulations, and a joint European framework to tackle aerial threats. Airport management emphasized that while flights are gradually resuming, passengers should expect ongoing delays and cancellations until security risks are fully addressed.

This latest disruption highlights the growing challenge of drone security in Europe. Experts stress that countries must invest in advanced monitoring technologies and tighter laws to prevent unauthorized drone activities from paralyzing critical transport hubs. For Germany, the Munich incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard its skies and protect public safety.