Munich Airport Faces Second Closure Amid Drone Sightings

Published: October 04, 2025, 14:30 EDT

Munich Airport suspended operations late Friday after multiple unconfirmed drone sightings, marking the second such closure in less than 24 hours. The disruption left thousands of passengers stranded and added to a growing series of drone-related incidents across Europe that have raised security concerns among governments and aviation authorities.

Heightened Precaution After Repeated Sightings

Airport officials announced the suspension of flights Friday night “as a precautionary measure” following reports of drone activity near Munich Airport. Germany’s air traffic control had already restricted flights on Thursday night after sightings that halted takeoffs and landings.

According to the airport, 17 departing flights were grounded on Thursday, leaving nearly 3,000 passengers affected, while 15 arriving flights were diverted to airports in Germany and Vienna, Austria. Services resumed Friday morning at 5 a.m. local time, but operations were disrupted again hours later after further reports of drones.

Stefan Bayer, a spokesperson for Germany’s federal police at Munich Airport, said it was unclear how many drones may have been involved. He confirmed that police, airport staff, and travelers had all reported sightings.

Passenger Disruptions and Overnight Struggles

The repeated closures left hundreds of travelers stranded overnight in terminals. According to the German Press Agency (dpa), cots were provided inside the airport, and passengers were given blankets, food, and drinks. Some travelers were relocated to nearby hotels until flights could resume.

Federal police deployed helicopters and other equipment to track the drones but found no visible signs of them. Investigations remain ongoing.

Broader European Drone Security Concerns

The Munich closures are the latest in a string of mysterious drone incidents across Europe. Earlier in the week, drones were spotted in Belgium above the Elsenborn military base near the German border. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken told Le Soir newspaper that the flights appeared “suspicious and unknown,” while Belgian broadcaster VRT reported up to 15 drones in the area.

Norway also experienced a drone-related disruption in Oslo late last month, and earlier this year, drones were detected near critical infrastructure in Denmark. Although suspicions have been raised about possible Russian involvement, European officials have not confirmed responsibility. Russian authorities have denied involvement in previous cases.

Officials Call for Stronger Drone Defense

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the federal government and its European partners plan to discuss drone detection and defense strategies during a meeting this weekend in Munich.

“We are in a race between drone threat and drone defense. We want to and must win this race,” Dobrindt said at an event marking the 35th anniversary of German reunification, attended by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Aviation security experts emphasize that drones are increasingly easy to obtain and capable of disrupting critical infrastructure with minimal effort. Hans-Christian Mathiesen, vice president of defense programs at Danish drone manufacturer Sky-Watch, told reporters:

“If you have a drone, you can always fly it into restricted airspace and disrupt activity. It could be anyone—from hobbyists not realizing the consequences, to criminal organizations, or even state actors testing responses.”

Russia and NATO Implications

Recent drone incidents have heightened tensions in Europe, particularly as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues. Last month, Polish and NATO fighter jets were scrambled after drones linked to Russia’s operations crossed into NATO territory.

The issue was also a major topic during this week’s summit of EU and European leaders in Copenhagen, where governments pledged to step up surveillance and deploy stronger counter-drone systems.

French Probe Clears Russian Tanker of Involvement

In a related development, a Russia-linked oil tanker previously suspected of involvement in drone incursions near Denmark has been cleared of any wrongdoing. French Navy commandos boarded the vessel earlier this week but found no drones or related equipment on board, according to officials familiar with the investigation.

The tanker, known alternately as “Pushpa” or “Boracay,” had changed its name multiple times while sailing from a Russian oil terminal into the Atlantic. Tracking data from Marine Traffic confirmed the ship left France on Friday, appearing bound for the Suez Canal.

Growing Calls for Coordinated Response

European leaders are under increasing pressure to strengthen coordinated drone defenses. Aviation experts warn that repeated incursions not only disrupt civilian travel but also pose risks to national security.

As Munich Airport works to restore normal operations, German federal police continue their investigation into the sightings. Authorities stress that while no drones have yet been intercepted, the threat highlights a wider challenge facing Europe’s skies.