Munich Airport Shut Down by Suspected Drone Activity, Disrupting Thousands of Passengers
Munich Airport was forced to close overnight on 2 October due to suspected drone activity, leading to widespread disruption and cancellations. The incident is the latest in a series of drone-related incidents to hit European aviation, prompting EU leaders to discuss bolstering the bloc's defences against such threats.
The drones were spotted late in the evening, but their size and type could not be determined due to the darkness. The incident led to the cancellation or diversion of dozens of flights, affecting nearly 3,000 passengers. Several flights were redirected to other cities, including Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Frankfurt. Munich Airport provided passengers with essentials such as camp beds, blankets, and food during the disruption.
Authorities have not publicly blamed a specific actor for the Munich incident. However, some European officials have suggested Russia's involvement in other recent airspace violations, although Russia has denied these claims. The Munich disruption is just one of many similar incidents that have rattled European aviation in recent times. Germany's Munich Airport reopened on 3 October after the overnight closure.
The drone incident at Munich Airport has highlighted the need for enhanced anti-drone measures within the European Union. Following a meeting, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed the sentiment that 'Europe must be able to defend itself.' As of 4 October 2025, the responsible party for the Munich incident remains unknown, with no public information identifying the perpetrator or group behind the disruptions.
