What happened at Munich Airport
The Munich Airport remained under a cloud of disruption Friday night after a drone alarm triggered a precautionary shutdown of operations. The German air traffic regulator DFS announced restrictions, citing unconfirmed drone sightings, with safety as the guiding priority. The Bundespolizei later confirmed two drone sightings in the late hours, describing a cautious but decisive response to protect passengers and staff.
Times reported by authorities place the initial halt at about 21:28 local time, as security agencies halted flight operations. By roughly 11 p.m., Bundespolizei officers reported seeing drones near both the north and south runways. The drones reportedly veered away when spotted, and could not be identified, underscoring a tense night for aviation safety authorities.
Impact on passengers and flights
Officials said the disruption rippled across inbound and outbound schedules. The airport redirected 23 arriving flights to other airports and canceled 12 flights destined for Munich. On the departure side, 46 flights were either canceled or rescheduled to Saturday, October 4. In total, about 6,500 passengers were affected, a figure that dwarfed disruptions seen earlier in the week.
The disruption was so abrupt that some travelers were already seated in aircraft when the decision was taken to suspend operations; many had to deplane with their carry-on luggage and seek information in the terminals as the airport scrambled to reorganize.
Overnight arrangements and the broader travel context
In response, Munich Airport and the airlines coordinated emergency passenger care in the terminals. Fields beds, blankets, snacks, and beverages were distributed to those stranded, with staff working to provide meals and essential services while alternative routing and accommodation options were explored.
Night flight restrictions complicate repatriation efforts. A general overnight ban on flights after midnight for noise protection remained in place, limiting any immediate push to clear the backlog. The situation is further influenced by the Oktoberfest season, making hotel rooms scarce and pushing travelers into the airport halls for the night.
A personal angle from the terminal
One couple, Klaus and Nicole Wienroither from Austria, planned to fly to Manchester to cheer their daughter, professional footballer Laura Wienroither, who plays for Manchester City and had a home match against Arsenal London scheduled for Saturday. After three hours aboard a grounded EasyJet flight, they were informed that the airport would stay closed, leaving them stranded and awaiting guidance as onward options were explored.
What happens next and practical tips for travelers
As of Saturday morning, the Munich Airport website indicated that check-in for some flights had resumed and that at least one outgoing flight was planned to depart around 7:00 a.m. Local time, with some arriving aircraft already landing. However, the day’s schedule remained fragile, with further cancellations and reroutings likely as investigations continue and authorities evaluate drone-activity risks.
Travelers heading through Munich or transiting via the airport should take a cautious approach: check the latest status with your airline and the airport’s official updates, be prepared for rebooking or alternative routing, and allow extra time for security checks and ground transportation changes.
Looking ahead, authorities will review drone sightings and assess security protocols before normal operations resume. Passengers should stay informed, communicate with their airlines, and monitor any changes to flight status as Saturday progresses.
Key tips for travelers
– Check airline notifications and the Munich Airport official status before heading to the terminal.
– Consider alternative routes or dates if cancellations affect your itinerary.
– Pack essential items in carry-on for potential overnight delays and seek timely assistance from airline staff.
– Expect renewed vigilance around flight ops, with possible ongoing delays as investigations continue.
In the ongoing effort to balance safety with travel needs, Munich Airport and authorities emphasized that safety remains the priority while operations gradually find their footing in the wake of drone-related disruptions.
