Overview: Munich Airport Drone Alert Grounds Flights Again
Flights at Munich Airport were halted again on Friday evening following a Munich Airport drone alert prompted by an unconfirmed drone sighting. An airport spokesman told BR that all arrivals and departures were temporarily suspended as of 21:34 local time. The situation is being assessed from the air with helicopters, while air traffic control works to determine a safe path forward for the network.
Tonight’s disruption: what happened
In line with precautionary safety measures, both runways were closed on instruction from the flugsicherung, the German air traffic authority. The airport warned that operations could remain suspended until a clear decision is issued by the relevant authorities. According to the flight-tracking portal Flightradar24, numerous aircraft were diverted to Stuttgart as a consequence of the shutdowns.
There is currently no official reopening time. Passengers have been advised to check with their airlines for status updates. The airport also reminded travellers of the Münchner Nachtflugregelung, which usually prohibits takeoffs and landings between midnight and 5 am for noise abatement purposes, indicating that any return to normal service will depend on regulatory clearance.
Background: yesterday’s disruption
The Friday evening disruption follows an earlier blow to operations. On Thursday evening into Friday, drones of unknown origin disrupted flights at Germany’s second-largest airport. A large portion of the schedule was canceled or redirected to nearby hubs such as Nürnberg and Stuttgart. In total, around 3,000 passengers were affected, and hundreds spent the night in terminals on field beds laid out by the airport to provide some comfort to stranded travellers.
Impact on travellers and the region
The repeated disturbances have strained travellers and airline operations alike. Delays and diversions ripple across connections, with many passengers facing long waits, rebooking, or altered itineraries. Local authorities and airport officials emphasize that safety is the priority and that service will resume only when it is deemed secure and compliant with air traffic control requirements.
What happens next?
Authorities are continuing to monitor the airspace and assess risk before reopening. The Munich Airport operator said it will await guidance from air traffic control and civil authorities before approving any resumption of flights. Travelers are urged to stay updated through official airline channels and airport announcements, as conditions can change rapidly with the evolving drone alert.
Practical tips for travellers
If you’re flying to or from Munich in the coming hours, maintain flexibility in plans, monitor official airline updates, and consider alternative routes or airports if a connection is imminent. Have your travel documents easily accessible and stay near information desks or departures boards for the latest advisories. Airlines may offer rebooking options, but these will depend on current regulatory clearance and seat availability.
