Munich airport resumes operations after more drone sightings halted flights
Key Takeaways
- Munich airport reopened after a second shutdown in under 24 hours due to suspected drone sightings, causing significant flight cancellations and passenger disruption.
- The drone incidents across Germany and other European nations (Denmark, Norway, Poland) are raising fears that the conflict in Ukraine could escalate geographically.
- German officials called for urgent increased financing and research into drone defense following the security breaches.
- The German government is expected to approve a law change allowing the military to shoot down drones if necessary.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin denied Moscow's involvement in the drone incursions, accusing Europe of creating 'hysteria.'
Munich airport resumed operations on Saturday morning after authorities closed it for the second time in under 24 hours due to confirmed drone sightings near its runways late Friday, which resulted in significant travel disruption affecting thousands of passengers. These repeated security scares across Europe, including incidents in Denmark, Norway, Poland, and Romania, have intensified fears that the conflict in Ukraine could spread continent-wide. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the first incident as a 'wake-up call,' emphasizing the urgent need for greater national and European investment in drone defense technology and research. The disruptions occurred during Germany's Unity Day holiday and as Munich was concluding Oktoberfest, adding to the complexity of the security situation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that such incursions suggest Moscow is seeking to 'escalate' its aggression, while Russia vehemently denies involvement, with President Putin mocking European concerns. The German government is reportedly preparing to sign legislation allowing the army to shoot down drones if necessary.
