Munich airport closed due to drone sightings
Munich Airport was temporarily closed on Friday morning after drone sightings. Numerous flights were canceled, causing significant disruptions to air traffic. Authorities are investigating the incident.
On Friday morning, October 3, 2025, Munich Airport was temporarily closed due to drone sightings. Reports from Spiegel and Zeit indicate this led to major disruptions in flight operations. Airport operator Flughafen München GmbH confirmed the airspace closure to ensure safety.
The sightings occurred near the airport, alerting the police. 'We received reports of unidentified drones and are acting accordingly,' stated Bavarian police in a press release. Operations were halted for about two hours before resuming. Dozens of flights were canceled, including international routes to Europe and beyond.
Background: Drone sightings at airports are increasingly problematic in Germany and Europe, as they can endanger air traffic. Similar incidents recently occurred at London's Gatwick Airport. Experts call for stricter regulations on drone operations. Munich Airport, one of Germany's largest, handles over 40 million passengers annually and serves as a key hub.
Passengers were informed via announcements and apps. 'It was chaotic, with many stranded for hours,' a affected traveler told Zeit. Investigations are ongoing, with no indications of terrorism. The incident highlights aviation challenges amid rising drone usage.