Munich Airport temporarily closed due to drone sighting

Munich Airport experienced a temporary disruption on Saturday when its runways were closed due to a possible drone sighting. The incident prompted a swift response from law enforcement, with numerous police forces deployed to the scene.

According to media reports citing a Federal Police spokesperson, a pilot reported suspicious observations, leading to the closure of both takeoff and landing runways. The German news magazine "Focus" reported that the suspension lasted for about an hour, with operations resuming around 10 a.m. local time.

"Bild" newspaper also reported on the closure, referencing the Federal Police's account of suspicious observations around 9 a.m. Police conducted searches of the airport grounds and investigated further clues related to the potential drone presence. A helicopter was also deployed as part of the response efforts.

Requests for confirmation from Munich Airport, the responsible Federal Police, and air traffic control initially went unanswered. The temporary closure highlights the security concerns and operational challenges posed by unauthorized drone activity near critical infrastructure like airports.