Background on Munich Airport Incident
The Munich Airport closed for the second consecutive night on Friday due to a new drone threat, causing the cancellation of over 30 flights and leaving nearly 3,000 passengers stranded.
On Thursday evening, around 8:30 p.m. local time, un drone was spotted near the airport in areas close to Freising and Erding, according to police reports. This led to the airport’s closure at 9:05 p.m. due to unconfirmed drone sightings.
German Authorities’ Response
The German Air Traffic Security (DFS) reduced and suspended flight operations at Munich Airport until further notice due to unconfirmed drone sightings, as stated on the airport’s website that same night.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as a “new warning” in the newspaper Bild. Dobrindt urged authorities to “shoot down drones instead of waiting”.
The government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to review aviation and security laws starting Wednesday, allowing the military to destroy drones—a task previously assigned solely to the police.
Multiple Incidents Across Europe
Members of the European Union suspect that Russia is behind the presence of these drones in sensitive locations within EU and NATO countries.
- Denmark, Norway, and Poland have recently suspended flights due to unidentified drones.
- Rumania and Estonia have accused Russia, which has dismissed the allegations.
Earlier in September, Poland protested against the intrusion of 19 drones into its airspace, blaming Moscow. Meanwhile, the Danish capital’s Copenhagen Airport had to close on September 22 due to drone activity, with other airports and military bases in Denmark being overflown by drones on September 25.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated last week that only one country “poses a threat to Europe’s security, and that is Russia.”
Moscow firmly denied any implication, while Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Europe of fostering “hysteria” to justify increased military spending.
On Thursday, the 27 EU member states gathered in Danish capital to discuss this issue and consider implementing an “antidrone barrier.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the reason for Munich Airport’s closure? The airport closed due to unconfirmed drone sightings near its perimeter.
- How many flights were affected? Over 30 flights were canceled, leaving nearly 3,000 passengers stranded.
- Who is suspected of operating the drones? European Union members suspect Russia may be behind these drone incidents.
- What actions are being taken by European governments? The German government plans to review aviation and security laws, allowing the military to destroy drones. The European Union is considering implementing an “antidrone barrier” following a meeting of its 27 member states.
