Drone sighting shuts Munich Airport

Drone sightings prompt call for German police to gain shoot- down powers

- REUTERS

Drone sightings overnight at Germany’s Munich airport led to the cancellation and diversion of dozens of flights on the eve of a national holiday, leaving nearly 3,000 passengers stranded and leading politicians to promise tough new measures allowing for drones to be shot down.

The Munich airport disruption was the latest in a series of similar incidents that have rattled European aviation, raising concerns about deniable hybrid attacks on Ukraine’s European allies, possibly directed by Russia. The Kremlin has indeed denied any involvement in the incidents.

The airport said several drone sightings late Thursday evening had forced air traffic control to suspend operations, leading to the cancellation of 17 flights and disrupting travel for nearly 3,000 passengers, who were provided with camp beds, blankets and food. Another 15 arriving flights were diverted around the region.