Drone chaos at Munich Airport: travelers stranded overnight!

Drone chaos at Munich Airport: travelers stranded overnight!

Munich Airport experienced chaos again on October 4, 2025, for the second time in 24 hours due to drone sightings. Loud Young freedom Federal police confirmed sightings of two drones over the runways. These were spotted over the north and south runways at around 9:36 p.m. and disappeared before they could be identified. The situation meant that all flight operations had to be stopped.

A total of around 6,500 passengers were affected and had to stay in the terminal overnight due to a ban on night flights. The airport employees organized camp beds and blankets for the travelers. The incidents affected a total of 23 incoming flights that were diverted, as well as 12 canceled flights and 46 canceled takeoffs. Although operations were able to resume early on Friday morning, there were further incidents on Friday evening.

The political reaction

The events at the airport highlight the tense security situation in Europe. Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) expressed concern and described the incidents as alarming. NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) also warned of possible free riders who could take advantage of the situation. Politicians are calling for increased measures to protect critical infrastructure, while Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) announced that the Bundeswehr would be used to defend against drones as part of administrative assistance. An important step in this direction is the planned change to the Aviation Security Act.

The planned law stipulates that the Bundeswehr will in future be authorized to shoot down suspicious drones if the state police reach their limits. This reform has already been approved by the Federal Cabinet and could create important new powers for the Bundeswehr. Loud daily news The draft contains amendments that seek to clarify the wording in the Aviation Security Act. While the draft is still being discussed in the Bundestag, the CDU/CSU sees a need for additional action and is calling for a change to the Basic Law to provide more security.

Drones – A Growing Threat

The problem of illegal drone flights has increased in recent years, especially since the start of the war in Ukraine. It is feared that such flights, for example over military installations, are also carried out on behalf of foreign government agencies. Loud LTO The new regulation would have to be used in the event of imminent danger to people or critical systems. The federal government is also planning to reform the Federal Police Act on drone defense.

In summary, Munich Airport is in the focus of politics and the media-living population, who at the same time long for effective solutions to counter the growing threat from drones. The coming weeks will show whether and in what form the announced measures can be implemented.