Munich Airport Shuts Down Again Amid Drone Threat, Berlin Considers Shoot-Down Authority
Munich, Germany – 2024/12/15 07:12 CET – Munich Airport suspended flight operations for a second consecutive night, beginning at 22:00 local time on December 14, 2024, due to repeated drone sightings. The disruptions have impacted hundreds of flights and tens of thousands of passengers as authorities investigate the source and intent behind the unmanned aerial vehicle activity. Berlin has characterized the situation as a “serious threat” and is actively discussing granting law enforcement the authority to shoot down the drones, a move complex by legal and safety considerations.
The ongoing disruptions at one of Europe’s busiest airports highlight a growing vulnerability to drone interference and raise questions about the effectiveness of current security measures. The repeated incursions, occurring despite heightened vigilance following similar incidents earlier in the week, have prompted calls for stronger regulations and technological solutions to counter the threat posed by unauthorized drone flights. Passengers are facing significant travel delays during the peak holiday season, and the economic impact on the airport and surrounding businesses is mounting.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that the government is examining legal pathways to allow police to intercept and neutralize drones posing an immediate threat. “We are taking this very seriously,” Faeser saeid in a press conference. “The safety of passengers and the security of critical infrastructure are our top priorities.” Currently, German law restricts the shooting down of drones, even those posing a threat, due to concerns about potential collateral damage.
The first wave of disruptions began on December 12, 2024, forcing the cancellation of dozens of flights and delaying hundreds more. Authorities initially believed the drone activity had ceased after a temporary suspension of flights, but sightings resumed on December 14, prompting the latest closure. Police have established a task force dedicated to investigating the incidents, but have yet to identify the drone operators or their motives.
The incident in Munich follows similar drone-related disruptions at other European airports, including London Gatwick in 2018, underscoring the escalating challenge posed by unmanned aircraft.The european Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has been working to harmonize drone regulations across member states, but implementation has been uneven. The current situation is likely to accelerate calls for stricter enforcement and the deployment of anti-drone technology at airports and other sensitive locations.
