Drone Drama Grounds Flights at Munich Airport on Eve of National Holiday

Drone activity at Munich airport overnight resulted in major travel disruptions just before a national holiday. Flights were cancelled and diverted, affecting nearly 3,000 passengers, as authorities launched an investigation. The incident adds to a series of similar disruptions across Europe, raising fears of potential hybrid threats.

Around 17 flights were cancelled, and numerous arrivals were redirected due to the drone sightings on Thursday night. Passengers, left stranded, were offered camp beds and provisions at the airport. The event comes shortly after other European airports experienced similar airspace breaches.

European leaders have expressed the necessity for fortified defenses against such disruptions, amid speculation of Russian involvement in recent security breaches. Despite the resumption of airport operations, the incident left Munich on edge, closely following a tense period marked by a bomb threat at the Oktoberfest and explosive discoveries in the city.

(With inputs from agencies.)