Drone Incident Grounds 6,500 Passengers Overnight at Munich Airport

Munich - Munich Airport faced another disruption on Friday evening due to drone sightings, resulting in the closure of its airspace and leaving approximately 6,500 passengers stranded overnight. The Federal Police confirmed two confirmed sightings of drones near the airport's runways, prompting the necessary safety measures.

According to the airport's official statement, the German Air Traffic Control (DFS) decided to suspend operations on the evening of October 3rd due to unverified drone activity. The spokesperson for the Munich Federal Police, Thomas Borowik, emphasized the importance of security, stating that the air traffic was halted at 9:28 PM as a precaution.

Initial reports of the drone sightings were unverified; however, shortly before 11 PM, two police patrols observed a drone each at both the north and south runways simultaneously. Borowik noted that both drones immediately turned away and disappeared, making identification impossible. At this stage, the size and type of drones remain unclear, and no suspects have been identified.

The airport's operations were severely impacted, with 23 incoming flights diverted and 12 flights canceled. A total of 46 departures were also affected, leading to significant delays and cancellations. Some passengers reported being on board their aircraft when the decision to close the runways was made, forcing them to disembark and collect their belongings.

To accommodate the stranded passengers, airport staff provided air mattresses, blankets, beverages, and snacks in the terminals. Many passengers had no option for a flight until Saturday morning due to a noise restriction that prohibits flights after midnight. Furthermore, hotel accommodations were scarce due to the ongoing Oktoberfest.

Among those affected were Klaus and Nicole Wienroither from Austria, who were en route to Manchester to support their daughter, a player for Manchester City. They were scheduled to depart at 8:25 PM but were informed of the airport's closure after a three-hour wait.

Operations at Munich Airport are expected to resume on Saturday at 5 AM; however, the first flight to Bodrum has already been canceled. The first incoming flight from Bangkok is not expected until the afternoon, and travelers are advised to check their flight status ahead of time.

This event follows a similar incident just the previous evening, which had also resulted in significant disruptions, affecting around 3,000 passengers who spent the night on makeshift accommodations in the terminal.