Munich Airport Reopens After Latest Drone Sightings Disrupt Flights

Germany’s Munich Airport resumed operations on Saturday morning after being shut down overnight for the second time in less than 24 hours due to new drone sightings, authorities confirmed.

Federal police reported that two drones were detected late Friday near the airport’s north and south runways, prompting an immediate suspension of flights. The drones disappeared before officials could identify them.

The airport, one of Germany’s busiest, began reopening gradually around 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT), though delays were expected to continue throughout the day. The closure, which stretched from Friday night into Saturday morning, affected roughly 6,500 passengers. A similar incident the previous night disrupted travel for nearly 3,000 passengers.

Authorities have yet to determine who is behind the drone overflights. The sightings add to a growing number of mysterious drone incidents reported across European Union countries, including Denmark and Belgium, as well as Norway.

While European officials have voiced suspicions that Russia may be linked to some of the incidents, Moscow has denied any involvement.

Germany’s Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, urged calm, noting that not every drone poses an immediate threat. He described drone activity as part of a “new arms race” and announced plans for a joint drone defense center to coordinate federal and state responses.