Drone sightings force Munich Airport to shut down for second night in a row
Munich, Germany – October 3, 2025 – Munich International Airport, one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, was forced to close both runways for the second consecutive night after pilots and staff reported multiple unidentified drones in its airspace.
The disruption began late Thursday evening at around 22:18 local time and lasted until the early hours of Friday morning. During the closure, 17 departures were cancelled and 15 arrivals diverted to nearby airports including Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, and Vienna. Nearly 3,000 passengers were affected, according to airport officials.
Police helicopters were dispatched and eyewitness reports gathered, but investigators were unable to determine the number, type, or origin of the drones. No drone has yet been recovered. “The situation is extremely serious,” said a police spokesperson. “We are dealing with an unknown operator in restricted airspace.”
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt called for new legislation to allow police to request military assistance in shooting down drones, warning that “repeated incidents like this threaten national security and the safety of air travel.”
A Growing Pattern in Europe
The Munich closures are the latest in a string of drone-related incidents disrupting air travel across Europe in recent weeks.
Copenhagen and Oslo (September 22–23, 2025): Both airports were temporarily shut down after sightings of “two or three large drones” near restricted zones. Copenhagen’s closure lasted nearly four hours, causing widespread delays and diversions.
Other Danish Airports: Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Skrydstrup airports also reported suspicious drone activity in late September, some near dual-use civil-military facilities. Danish authorities described the flights as the work of a “capable operator,” raising fears of deliberate probing.
Oslo, Norway: In a separate incident, police seized a drone being flown illegally near Oslo Airport by a foreign national. This followed earlier airspace intrusions that disrupted flight schedules.
Security officials in several countries have raised concerns that the incidents may be coordinated. While no group has claimed responsibility, analysts warn the pattern could indicate “hybrid attacks” designed to test Europe’s defenses.
Heightened Concerns
The repeated incursions highlight the vulnerability of airports and critical infrastructure to small, easily acquired drones. Even without collisions, sightings force closures under strict aviation safety rules.
“Every time a drone is reported, flights must be suspended. The economic and security implications are huge,” said aviation analyst Lars Hoffmann. “These aren’t hobbyists flying by mistake. The consistency suggests intent.”
For now, Munich Airport has resumed normal operations, but officials warn further disruptions cannot be ruled out. German police continue to investigate, while European aviation authorities are calling for tighter drone regulations and faster deployment of anti-drone technology.