Munich Airport in Germany resumed operations on Friday after drone sightings forced an overnight closure. This incident marks the latest disruption in European aviation, following similar events in Denmark, Norway, and Poland.
The airport closed its airspace on Thursday night after multiple drone sightings, leading to the cancellation or diversion of over 30 flights, stranding nearly 3,000 passengers.
However, by early Friday, flight tracking websites indicated that planes began departing around 5:50 AM (0350 GMT). A Lufthansa spokesperson confirmed that flight operations resumed according to schedule, although 19 Lufthansa flights were affected.
Authorities Investigate Drone Sightings
A police spokesperson reported that witnesses spotted drones near the airport around 7:30 PM GMT on Thursday. This prompted the closure of both runways for an hour. In response, the airport provided camp beds, blankets, drinks, and snacks for affected passengers. German authorities have launched an investigation to identify the drones’ origin. Police helicopters were deployed, but no details about the drones’ type or number have emerged.
This incident occurred just before German Unity Day and the final weekend of Oktoberfest, which attracts large crowds to Munich. Recent drone sightings in Denmark and aerial incursions in Estonia and Poland have raised concerns about potential threats from Russia amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that these incursions indicate Moscow’s intent to escalate aggression.
Government Responses
Germany remains on high alert, having reported a swarm of drones over military and industrial sites last week. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized the need for new strategies to address this hybrid threat, including the possibility of shooting down drones. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Russia poses a significant threat to European security.
In response to these threats, EU leaders met in Copenhagen to discuss strengthening defenses, including the establishment of a “drone wall.” Denmark accepted Sweden’s offer of anti-drone technology to ensure the safety of the meeting. Additionally, the United States is providing anti-drone defenses to Denmark, while NATO has increased vigilance in the Baltic region following these airspace intrusions.
