Runways Closed Twice in 24 Hours
Flights at Munich Airport are taking off again after a series of drone sightings led to two major interruptions. The first suspension occurred late Thursday, forcing controllers to ground all aircraft as drones were detected near the facility. Although service restarted on Friday morning, another wave of sightings later that day triggered a fresh closure, sending dozens of planes to alternate airports including Frankfurt and Nuremberg.
Travel Plans Thrown Into Disarray
The disruptions left thousands of passengers stuck in terminals overnight. More than 6,500 travelers were affected by the second shutdown alone, with many provided temporary bedding and basic supplies as they waited. On Saturday morning, limited services began to restart, but airlines cautioned that knock-on effects—delays, missed connections, and cancellations—would continue while operations stabilized.
Security Questions and Political Response
Authorities have yet to identify who operated the drones or how many were involved. The incidents have renewed concerns about airport safety and the ease with which small drones can interfere with critical infrastructure. Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced that new laws would be pushed forward urgently, including provisions to expand the use of counter-drone technology and the possible deployment of military support to safeguard sensitive airspace.
