News
October 05, 2025
Munich Airport resumes flights as politicians weigh drone response
dpa MunichMunich Airport resumed its operations on Saturday morning, after drone sightings led to the suspension of all flights during the night, but warned travellers to still exp...
Munich Airport resumed operations on Saturday morning after drone sightings caused a complete shutdown of air traffic overnight, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. While the airport is now open, officials are warning travelers to expect significant delays and cancellations throughout the day as airlines work to clear the backlog.
The disruption began late Friday evening when multiple drones were spotted near the airport perimeter, prompting immediate safety concerns. Following established protocols, airport authorities made the decision to suspend all flights, both arrivals and departures, to prevent potential collisions and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The closure resulted in considerable chaos, with many flights diverted to other airports and passengers forced to find alternative accommodation or spend the night in the terminal. Images circulating on social media showed crowded waiting areas and long queues as frustrated travelers sought information and assistance.
The incident has reignited the debate surrounding drone regulation and the measures needed to prevent similar disruptions in the future. Politicians are now weighing potential responses, considering stricter laws and enhanced detection technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure like airports. The focus is on finding a balance between allowing responsible drone use and protecting public safety.
"We are taking this incident very seriously," stated a spokesperson for the Bavarian government. "The safety of the public is our top priority, and we will be working with airport authorities and law enforcement to investigate the incident thoroughly and implement measures to prevent future occurrences."
The investigation into the drone sightings is ongoing, with authorities attempting to identify the operators responsible. Flying drones in restricted airspace around airports is illegal and carries significant penalties, including hefty fines and potential jail time.
While the airport is operational again, passengers are strongly advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information before heading to the airport. Delays are expected to persist throughout the day as airlines work to reschedule flights and accommodate stranded passengers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential impact of drone activity on air travel and the importance of robust safety measures.
The disruption began late Friday evening when multiple drones were spotted near the airport perimeter, prompting immediate safety concerns. Following established protocols, airport authorities made the decision to suspend all flights, both arrivals and departures, to prevent potential collisions and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The closure resulted in considerable chaos, with many flights diverted to other airports and passengers forced to find alternative accommodation or spend the night in the terminal. Images circulating on social media showed crowded waiting areas and long queues as frustrated travelers sought information and assistance.
The incident has reignited the debate surrounding drone regulation and the measures needed to prevent similar disruptions in the future. Politicians are now weighing potential responses, considering stricter laws and enhanced detection technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure like airports. The focus is on finding a balance between allowing responsible drone use and protecting public safety.
"We are taking this incident very seriously," stated a spokesperson for the Bavarian government. "The safety of the public is our top priority, and we will be working with airport authorities and law enforcement to investigate the incident thoroughly and implement measures to prevent future occurrences."
The investigation into the drone sightings is ongoing, with authorities attempting to identify the operators responsible. Flying drones in restricted airspace around airports is illegal and carries significant penalties, including hefty fines and potential jail time.
While the airport is operational again, passengers are strongly advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information before heading to the airport. Delays are expected to persist throughout the day as airlines work to reschedule flights and accommodate stranded passengers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential impact of drone activity on air travel and the importance of robust safety measures.
Category:
World