Munich Airport chaos: Drone sightings disrupt flights, affecting over 6,500 passengers
Munich Airport was thrown into disarray on Friday, October 3, after multiple drone sightings forced a temporary halt in operations, disrupting travel plans for more than 6,500 passengers.
According to federal police, at least two drones were spotted flying over both the north and south runways. The unmanned aerial vehicles quickly changed course and disappeared before authorities could intercept or identify them. Their size and origin remain unknown.
Flight cancellations, diversions, and overnight chaos
Airport operations were initially expected to resume by 05:00 on Saturday. However, further drone activity near the terminal led to extended delays and additional flight disruptions.
Inbound flights: 23 were diverted to Stuttgart and Nuremberg, and 12 were canceled outright.
Outbound flights: 46 were either canceled or significantly delayed, with some passengers already onboard forced to disembark.
Hundreds of travelers were left stranded overnight. In response, Munich Airport, in cooperation with airlines, provided emergency accommodations, including beds, blankets, snacks, and drinks inside the terminals.
Heightened security concerns and calls for action
This incident comes on the heels of similar disruptions earlier in the week, when 17 departures were canceled due to drone interference. The escalating situation has prompted urgent calls for tighter airspace security.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt suggested that the military be allowed to support police in managing drone threats, warning of a “race between drone threats and drone defense.”
Meanwhile, Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder called for legal authority to immediately neutralize unauthorized drones, stressing the need for “full control over our airspace.”
The events have sparked a renewed debate across Germany over the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the need for modernized drone detection and defense systems at major airports.
