Munich Airport Reopens Amid Ongoing Drone Threats

Munich Airport in Germany has reopened to flights on Saturday morning after a series of unexpected closures due to alleged drone sightings that disrupted operations and affected thousands of passengers. The airport, one of the largest in Germany, resumed activity at 7 AM local time, which is two hours later than its usual opening time of 5 AM on Saturdays. The closure on Friday evening was the second in less than twenty-four hours, emphasizing the growing concern surrounding drone activity in European airspace. Authorities confirmed that delays would continue throughout Saturday despite the reopening. More than 6,500 passengers were impacted by the closure that extended from Friday night into Saturday, with previous incidents also affecting around 3,000 passengers. On Thursday night into Friday, approximately 17 flights were grounded, illustrating the significant impact these drone sightings have had on air travel. This alarming situation reflects a broader trend of mysterious drone overflights disrupting key infrastructure across EU member countries. Belgian authorities recently reported drone sightings above a military base, while Oslo experienced similar disruptions, suggesting a persistent drone threat across the region. The governments of various European nations, including Germany’s, are increasingly concerned and are probing the potential actors behind these incidents, particularly considering implications of foreign involvement. Notably, speculations have arisen surrounding potential connections to Russian operations, although Moscow has vehemently denied such allegations. President Vladimir Putin dismissed the claims as "hysteria," while experts caution that any individual or group with access to drones could be responsible. In light of these escalating incidents, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans for a meeting this weekend with other European counterparts in Munich. They aim to discuss strategies for developing a drone detection and defense plan. Minister Dobrindt emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We are in a race between drone threat and drone defense. We want to and must win this race." This sentiment reflects a collective European initiative to bolster airspace security and safeguard critical infrastructure from potential drone-related disruptions. As the situation evolves, airports and security authorities across Europe are on high alert, vigilant against further incursions, and aiming to minimize the risk of further disruptions to air travel. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses and prepare for possible delays as authorities work to resolve the ongoing drone threat. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2