Germany’s Munich airport was forced to suspend flights due to multiple drone sightings, as confirmed by a police spokesperson to AFP on Friday. This incident is part of a series of similar disruptions affecting aviation in various European countries, including Denmark, Norway, and Poland. There have been reports linking the drone incidents in Romania and Estonia to Russia, although Russia has denied any involvement.
The disruption at Munich airport led to the cancellation of 17 departing flights on Thursday night, affecting nearly 3,000 passengers. Additionally, 15 incoming flights were diverted to alternate airports such as Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Frankfurt. The airport authorities provided camp beds, blankets, drinks, and snacks to the stranded passengers. The exact timing for the resumption of flights was not specified in the statement released by the airport.
The drone sightings occurred around the airport at approximately 1930 GMT on Thursday, resulting in the closure of both runways for an hour. German authorities have initiated a search to determine the source of the drones, deploying police helicopters in the process. However, details regarding the type and number of drones involved in the incident remain undisclosed.
The timing of this disruption coincides with the final weekend of Germany’s Oktoberfest, a popular event that attracts a large crowd to Munich. Concerns have been raised following the drone sightings in Denmark and airspace violations by Moscow in Estonia and Poland, raising fears of potential spillover from the conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned Europe about Moscow’s intentions to escalate aggression based on recent drone activities.
Germany and other European countries are on high alert due to the drone-related incidents. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized the need for new strategies to address this hybrid threat, including the possibility of shooting down drones. Denmark has also expressed concerns, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighting Russia as the primary security threat to Europe.
In response to the escalating situation, the European Union leaders gathered in Copenhagen to discuss strengthening the bloc’s defenses, proposing the establishment of a “drone wall.” Denmark accepted assistance from Sweden in deploying anti-drone technology to ensure the security of the meeting. The United States has offered anti-drone defenses to Denmark, as confirmed by Copenhagen’s defense ministry. NATO has increased vigilance in the Baltic region following the airspace intrusions.