DHL plane hits unknown object over Germany, forcing unscheduled Hanover landing

A DHL Boeing 757 cargo aircraft was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Hanover after striking an unknown object shortly after departing Leipzig/Halle airport in eastern Germany. The incident occurred overnight, prompting an immediate investigation by authorities.

Near the airport's runway, a drone was discovered during the night, which the German newspaper Bild reported contained a detonator. The southern runway at Leipzig/Halle, a key hub for DHL, remained closed as explosives experts examined the drone. Police confirmed the drone's discovery but provided no further details.

Several flights, including a passenger service, were diverted due to the runway closure, though operations returned to normal by morning. This incident occurs amid heightened security at German airports, which have experienced a series of unauthorized drone overflights at sensitive locations like military facilities and logistics companies. Federal police are exploring the possibility that these overflights could be organized by Russian agents.

DHL Group CEO Tobias Meyer acknowledged the incident, stating the company has contingency plans in place to minimize customer impact. The event also follows a series of investigations into incendiary devices found in parcels in 2024, raising concerns about potential sabotage targeting air cargo operators. Russia has denied involvement in these prior incidents.

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We've got plans for cases like this, and we'll try to make sure that the influence on our customers will be as low as possible.