Leipzig/Halle Airport suspends visitor services after drone incident

Leipzig/Halle Airport has temporarily halted all visitor services, including tours and access to its observation deck, in response to a security incident involving a drone. The airport cited the ongoing investigation into the drone incident as the reason for suspending these activities.

The decision comes after a drone, reportedly equipped with explosives and a detonator, was discovered near Ukrainian transport aircraft on the airport grounds. In a separate but related event, an aircraft collided with an unidentified small flying object, possibly a second drone.

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Against the background of the current incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport and the ongoing investigations, we have decided to temporarily suspend visitor tours as a precaution.

The Federal Police's drone defense unit is reportedly deployed on the visitor platform, though details about specific equipment like radar systems remain undisclosed for operational security reasons. The Federal Prosecutor's Office has taken charge of the investigation, examining suspicions of attempted explosive detonation and dangerous interference with air traffic.

Airport officials stated that visitor services will resume once it is deemed safe and appropriate, and information will be provided accordingly. The incident has raised significant security concerns, prompting a thorough investigation into the potential threats posed by unauthorized aerial devices.

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The drone defense unit of the Federal Police is in operation on the visitor platform.