Munich Airport faced significant disruption on Friday, October 3, after multiple drones were spotted near the runways, forcing a temporary shutdown that affected over 6,500 passengers.
According to the federal police, at least two drones were observed simultaneously above the airport’s north and south runways. The unmanned aircraft changed course and disappeared before authorities could identify them, and their exact size remains unknown.
Flight Cancellations and Diversions
The airport had planned to resume operations at 05:00 on Saturday, but additional drone sightings near the terminal delayed takeoffs. Hundreds of travelers were left stranded overnight as flights were canceled or postponed.
- Inbound flights: 23 flights were diverted to Stuttgart and Nuremberg, while 12 were canceled.
- Outbound flights: 46 departures were either canceled or delayed, with some passengers already on board forced to disembark.
Munich Airport stated that it provided assistance at the terminals, including beds, blankets, drinks, and snacks, in cooperation with airlines.
Calls for Stronger Airspace Control
This incident follows similar disruptions earlier in the week, when more than 17 departures were canceled due to drones. The situation has reignited calls for improved airport security.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has called for the military to assist police in managing drone threats, describing the situation as a “race between drone threats and drone defense.” Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder also urged granting authorities the power to immediately shoot down unauthorized drones, emphasizing the need for “full control of our airspace.”
