Operations at Munich Airport faced yet another halt due to alarming drone sightings, sending ripples of disruption through air travel. On 3 October 2024, these incidents affected thousands of passengers with significant flight cancellations.
Details of the Disruption
The chaos began on Thursday evening when multiple drones were spotted near the airport, prompting air traffic control to suspend operations. According to Munich Airport officials, 17 flights were cancelled, disrupting travel for nearly 3,000 passengers, and another 15 arriving flights were diverted to nearby airports.
- Operations were suspended at 10.18pm local time.
- The airport remained closed until 4.59am on Friday.
- Over 6,500 passengers were estimated to be affected by the subsequent delays and cancellations.
Increased Tensions and Warnings
As the chaos unfolded, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt referred to the incident as a “wake-up call” regarding the growing threat posed by drones. He called for enhanced defence measures at both national and European levels.
The situation is further complicated by rising tensions in Europe, particularly concerning Russia. Recent drone activities in Denmark and other European nations have sparked accusations against Moscow, though Russia has firmly denied any involvement.
Events Coinciding with the Disruption
This disruption comes just as Munich celebrated its national holiday, German Unity Day, and was gearing up for the last weekend of Oktoberfest. The festival had previously experienced a scare when a bomb threat temporarily closed part of the event, leaving many on edge.
Official Reactions
Bavarian state premier Markus Söder advocated for swift action, stating that authorities must have the capability to neutralise threats immediately. This sentiment reflects the broader unease as Europe braces for potential escalation in security threats.
As authorities race to address these incidents, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety amidst rising concerns surrounding drone technologies and their implications for civil aviation.