German Airlines Demand Authority to Shoot Down Drones disrupting Airports
BERLIN – Facing repeated disruptions to air travel, German airlines are calling for authorities to be granted the power to intercept and even shoot down drones near airports. The demand comes amid a surge in unidentified drone sightings across Germany, prompting concerns about aviation safety and potential foreign interference.
Ralf Schust, President of the German Aviation Association and CEO of Condor Airlines, told Der Spiegel that the urgency of the drone threat has been consistently underestimated. “It annoys me that the urgency of drones is only now being recognized. we’ve been pointing out the problem for ten years,” he said. Schust argued that federal police should have the authority to “stop drones – and even shoot them down if necessary” at civilian airports, citing the significant financial impact of disruptions. “One hour of interruption always means millions in damages.”
The call for stronger measures follows two consecutive days of flight suspensions at Munich International Airport on October 2-3, triggered by multiple drone sightings. Thes incidents prompted Bavaria to take self-reliant action, with the state cabinet approving a law last week allowing police to destroy unidentified drones deemed a threat to public safety.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly stated on October 5 that he suspects Russia is responsible for many of the recent drone sightings. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof,in an interview with the Kyiv Independent,echoed these concerns,acknowledging a European suspicion of Russian involvement but stating a lack of concrete proof.
The German federal government is currently working to enhance its drone defenses nationwide, but airlines are pushing for immediate action to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of air travel.
