Authorities at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany identified a drone equipped with explosives near the facility’s south runway late Tuesday, leading to the closure of both runways and the diversion of multiple flights. An airport employee discovered the device, which was subsequently examined by police who removed its detonator. The incident prompted the deployment of an anti-explosives robot and resulted in several flights being redirected to alternative airports, including one passenger aircraft.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt characterized the discovery as representing a “new quality of danger,” distinguishing it from previous drone sightings and threats. He described the incident as a potential “hybrid attack scenario” while noting that armed drones at airports represented an unprecedented threat category. However, Dobrindt declined to provide additional details about the explosives, the drone’s origin, or potential responsibility, stating these matters remained under investigation.
Authorities also reported a possible second flying object that collided with a cargo aircraft attempting to land at the airport. The plane aborted its landing due to the runway closure and proceeded to Hannover Airport approximately 200 kilometers away, where inspectors discovered minor damage to the aircraft. Regional officials indicated they were searching for components associated with a potential second drone.
Operations gradually returned to normal as the north runway reopened after approximately two hours. The airport experienced no disruption to daytime flights, and officials stated there was no danger to passengers or staff. NATO acknowledged awareness of the incident but referred further inquiries to German authorities. This occurrence follows a 2024 incident at the same facility involving an incendiary device at a logistics center, which Western security officials have attributed to suspected Russian intelligence operations.
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