Munich Airport Drone Alert Forces Temporary Flight Suspension
Flights at Munich Airport were halted again Friday evening after an unconfirmed drone sighting prompted precautionary measures. The disruption mirrors the chaos seen the previous night, underscoring the ongoing risk that drone activity poses to major European hubs.
What happened on Friday evening
According to a spokesperson speaking to BR, air traffic control ordered the closure of both runways at 21:34 local time in response to a reported drone sighting. The airfield was secured as authorities assessed the potential threat, with helicopters deployed to help inspect the grounds and determine the next steps for safe operations.
Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated that a number of arriving and departing aircraft were rerouted away from Munich, with several planes redirected toward Stuttgart and other nearby airports during the precautionary shutdown.
Immediate impact for travelers
With the runways closed, all flight activity was suspended for a period as authorities carried out their checks. The airport stressed that the situation remained fluid and that a reopening would depend on confirmation from the Flugsicherung (air traffic control) and other relevant authorities.
Particularly relevant for passengers was the Münchner Nachtflugregelung—the city’s night flight rule—which restricts takeoffs and landings between midnight and 05:00 for noise abatement. Even as security assessments continued, the rule contributed to delays in restoring normal operations and prompted travelers to anticipate possible long wait times or rebookings.
Context: disruption the night before
The Friday event followed a similar disruption the previous evening and into the early hours of Friday, when drone activity at Germany’s second-largest airport caused widespread travel chaos. Numerous flights were canceled or diverted to Nürnberg, Stuttgart, or other regional airports, affecting roughly 3,000 passengers. In some cases, passengers spent the night in terminals on field beds set up for temporary rest.
What happens next
Officials stressed that the next steps depend on assessments by the air traffic control and relevant authorities. A safe reopening hinges on confirming that the airspace is secure and that any drone-related risks have been mitigated. Passengers are advised to monitor official airport updates and contact their airlines for the latest information on departures and rebooking options.
Why this matters for the region
Drone-related disruptions at major hubs like Munich illustrate the growing challenges airports face in balancing safety with the demand for reliable air travel. The incidents drive home the need for enhanced drone detection, robust incident response, and clear communication channels to minimize the knock-on effects on connections and regional mobility.
