Drone Alert Halts Operations at Munich Airport Once Again

Munich Airport has been forced to suspend operations for the second consecutive evening due to drone sightings, impacting thousands of travelers. The Federal Police reported two drone observations near the airport's northern and southern runways late Friday night.

Following these sightings, the airport operator confirmed that 23 incoming flights were diverted and 12 were canceled. Approximately 46 scheduled departures were also affected, leaving around 6,500 passengers stranded at the airport.

To accommodate these passengers, the airport set up field beds and provided blankets, drinks, and snacks for those unable to leave. Many travelers were seen gathered around departure boards, discussing their next steps, while others attempted to rest on benches within the terminal.

This incident follows similar disruptions that occurred earlier, resulting in significant flight cancellations and diversions to nearby airports such as Nuremberg and Stuttgart. The initial drone incidents, which took place on Thursday evening and continued into Friday morning, had already affected around 3,000 passengers, many of whom were forced to spend the night on makeshift beds in the terminal.

In light of the recent drone activities, there are growing calls for improved security measures at airports across Germany. Politicians are advocating for the implementation of better drone defense systems. Herbert Reul, the Interior Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, emphasized the need for modernized security capabilities, stating the urgency for effective drone countermeasures.

In Bavaria, Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann expressed a desire to expand the legal powers of the state police, enabling them to take immediate action against drones posing threats. He proposed that police should have the authority to shoot down drones in cases of immediate danger.

Furthermore, the issue of drone security is set to be discussed in a meeting between Germany's Federal Minister of the Interior and various European counterparts in Munich. The Federal Minister has suggested that the military may also assist in combating drone threats, which have so far been primarily handled by police forces.

There remains uncertainty about the origins and motivations behind the drone flights, with some officials drawing parallels to similar incidents occurring across Europe. Markus Söder, the Minister-President of Bavaria, indicated that the situation reflects a broader trend in security challenges.

Experts are advocating for mandatory identification measures for drones, arguing that clear visibility of all legal drone operations is essential to differentiate them from unauthorized flights. Gerald Wissel, head of the European Association for Unmanned Aviation, highlighted the need for a comprehensive safety strategy for airports, proposing the establishment of virtual perimeters to prevent unauthorized drone access.

Data from the German Air Traffic Control indicates a significant increase in drone-related disturbances at airports, with 144 incidents recorded by the end of August 2025, compared to 113 the previous year. Incidents of drone sightings have become a pressing concern for airport safety, affecting public confidence in air travel.