Munich Airport Reopens After Second Drone-Related Closure This Week
Munich, Germany – Munich Airport resumed flight operations early Friday morning, October 27, 2023, following a multi-hour closure triggered by another drone sighting. This marks the second time this week the major transportation hub has been disrupted by unauthorized drone activity, impacting thousands of travelers.
The airport initially suspended operations at approximately 21:30 CET on Thursday, October 26, 2023, after police received credible reports of drone presence in the vicinity. Authorities launched a comprehensive search involving police units and specialized technology, ultimately finding no drones but deeming it necessary to maintain the flight suspension as a safety precaution.Approximately 3,000 passengers experienced disruptions, with some flights diverted to neighboring airports including Nuremberg and Stuttgart.
Hundreds of stranded passengers were forced to spend the night within the terminals, accommodated with temporary field beds. The incident has ignited a political debate regarding airport security protocols and the potential involvement of the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, in drone defense.
Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander dobrindt announced plans to propose a draft for a new Air Security Act. He intends for the Bundeswehr to assist state and federal police through administrative support in countering drone threats, a obligation currently held solely by law enforcement agencies.
