Both runways at Munich Airport were closed once again early on Saturday morning after unconfirmed drone sightings disrupted operations for the second time in less than 24 hours. The closures have led to dozens of flights being diverted or cancelled, leaving approximately 6,500 passengers stranded.
The airport had initially planned to reopen at 05:00, but delayed the schedule due to these sightings. A statement on the airport’s website indicated that German air traffic control restricted flight operations as a precaution and suspended them until further notice. Passengers were advised to contact their airlines for updates.
In a subsequent update, the airport reported that 23 flights were diverted, including 12 flights to Munich, while 48 departures were either cancelled or postponed. The airport stated, “As on the previous night, the airport and airlines took care of the passengers. Camp beds, blankets, drinks, and snacks were handed out.”
The situation mirrors a similar incident the previous evening when a London-bound flight was cancelled. The captain informed passengers that the runways were closed due to drone sightings near the take-off and landing zones, and police helicopters were dispatched to monitor the area. According to the airport’s website, the diversion of incoming flights began at 20:35 on Friday.
This is not the first time Munich Airport has faced disruptions due to drone sightings. On Thursday night, operations were halted for several hours as authorities dealt with similar reports, impacting numerous flights. The recent spate of drone incidents has caused chaos in European aviation, with some authorities attributing the disruptions to potential interference from Russia, a claim that the Kremlin has denied.
In response to the escalating situation, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans to expedite legislation that would allow police to request military assistance in shooting down drones that pose a threat to airport operations. This move reflects growing concerns over security and air traffic safety in the region.
As authorities continue to investigate the source of the drone sightings, passengers and airline staff at Munich Airport remain on high alert, monitoring developments closely as the situation unfolds.
