Munich Airport closes again as drone sightings disrupt flights
Munich’s second-largest airport suspended operations again on Friday after reports of unmanned aerial systems near the facility. The DFS said the precautionary reductions and suspensions were based on observations of drones, though the sightings were not confirmed at the time of the decision. The disruption caused dozens of flight cancellations and thousands of travelers affected, underscoring the vulnerability of major European hubs to drone incursions.
Immediate impact and timeline
Initially, the overnight closure canceled more than 30 flights and stranded nearly 3,000 passengers who were supported on site or rebooked. Traffic briefly resumed at dawn, only to be halted again in the evening as authorities reassessed risk. The cycle illustrates the fragile balance between aviation safety and passenger convenience in Europe’s busy aviation network.
Incidents around Munich
In addition to the unclear drone threat Friday, earlier sightings were confirmed near Erding, the army airfield near Munich, and above the civilian airport. Police helicopters were deployed but could not quantify the number or type of drones.
Policy responses and the legal landscape
Rhetoric and policy shifts
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt labeled the activity a “threat” and called for a shift in practice: drones should be shot down when encountered, rather than waiting for a response. The government coalition led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to revise aviation security laws to expand authorities who can neutralize drones; currently only police have this power, with the army excluded by existing rules.
EU-wide cooperation and anti-drone measures
On Thursday, the 27 EU member states met in Copenhagen to discuss a coordinated anti-drone strategy and the concept of an anti-drone shield for critical infrastructure. Several countries have reported drone intrusions, and some point to Moscow, though Russia denies involvement. The policy debate centers on detection technologies, rapid containment, and rules of engagement appropriate to civilian settings.
A broader European context
Similar disruptions have hit airports in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Warsaw in recent weeks. The incidents have exposed gaps in NATO’s ability to respond to unmanned threats and highlighted the need for robust, interoperable defenses to protect civilian aviation in Europe.
What travelers should know
Travelers should expect continued vigilance and potential delays as authorities test and deploy improved detection and mitigation measures. If you are flying, check with your airline for real-time updates, stay flexible with plans, and prepare for possible rebooking or re-routing. Airports across Europe are likely to increase drone-detection investments in the near term.
