A Night of Confusion: Drone in the Sky Halts Flights

Munich Airport drone scare- On the night of 02 October 2025, Munich Airport turned into a scene of confusion and concern. Around 8:30 PM local time, several people reported seeing a drone flying near the airport. Just an hour later, more sightings were confirmed. As a result, both runways were shut down for safety reasons.

The sudden appearance of drones in restricted airspace led to the cancellation of 17 departing flights and the diversion of 15 incoming flights to other cities like Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Frankfurt. Nearly 3,000 passengers were affected, many of whom were stranded overnight.

Flight Chaos: Passengers Left Waiting and Wondering

The airport staff quickly responded to the crisis. Camp beds, blankets, drinks, and snacks were provided to stranded passengers. Despite the efforts, many travelers expressed frustration and confusion. Some were heading to Oktoberfest celebrations, while others had connecting flights or urgent appointments.

“I saw flashing lights in the sky and then heard that my flight was canceled,” said one passenger. “It was scary and disappointing. I just want to get home.” The airport remained closed until early morning, reopening after police confirmed no further drone activity.

Police and Helicopters Join the Search

German police launched a full-scale search operation. Helicopters flew over the area, scanning for drones and their operators. However, no clear information was found about the type or number of drones involved. Authorities are still investigating who was behind the incident.

The timing of the drone sightings raised concerns. It happened just before the final weekend of Oktoberfest, a time when Munich sees a huge influx of tourists. Security was already tight, and this incident added more pressure on local law enforcement.

A Growing Threat: Drone Disruptions Across Europe

Munich is not the only airport facing drone-related problems. In recent weeks, airports in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Warsaw also experienced temporary shutdowns due to drone sightings. Some European leaders have suggested that foreign actors, including Russia, may be behind these disruptions.

Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned about the growing drone threat. He mentioned that a swarm of drones had flown over military and industrial sites last week. “We need new responses to this hybrid threat,” he said, suggesting that shooting down drones might become necessary.

What Happens Next: Safety Measures and Investigations

The incident has sparked discussions about improving drone detection and defense systems. EU member states recently met in Copenhagen to talk about creating a “drone wall” to protect critical infrastructure. Munich Airport is reviewing its security protocols and working with federal and state police to prevent future incidents.

For now, passengers are advised to check flight updates before traveling and remain patient as investigations continue. The airport has resumed normal operations, but the memory of that chaotic night remains fresh for many.

As drone technology becomes more common, airports and governments must find smarter ways to keep the skies safe. Rapido Updates will continue to follow this story and share new developments as they happen.