Drone Sightings Cause Major Interruptions
Air traffic at Munich Airport is restarting after drones twice forced Germany’s second-busiest hub to suspend service. The first incident occurred late Thursday when drones were spotted close to runways, leading controllers to halt flights immediately. Although activity resumed early Friday, fresh sightings later that evening triggered another full shutdown, diverting aircraft to alternative airports including Frankfurt and Vienna.
Heavy Impact on Passengers
The closures left thousands of travelers stranded inside the terminal. More than 6,000 passengers were caught in the second suspension, many of whom had to sleep overnight at the airport. Staff distributed bedding, food, and beverages to ease the wait. Flights began operating again on Saturday morning, but carriers warned that cancellations and delays would remain widespread until schedules could be reorganized.
Government Pushes for Stronger Measures
Authorities have not confirmed who was responsible for the drone flights, nor how many devices were involved. The incidents have intensified debate in Germany about how to protect essential infrastructure from drone interference. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt vowed to fast-track new laws granting stronger counter-drone capabilities, including the option of deploying military resources to safeguard airports and other critical facilities.
