On the night of October 2, 2025, Munich Airport, one of Germany's busiest aviation hubs, temporarily suspended all flight operations following multiple drone sightings near its airspace. The sightings prompted air traffic control to halt departures and arrivals from 10:18 p.m. local time, resulting in the cancellation of 17 flights and diversion of 15 incoming flights to nearby airports including Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Frankfurt. Nearly 3,000 passengers were affected, many of whom spent the night at the airport where provisions of camp beds, blankets, food, and beverages were arranged.

The drone activity caused a complete shutdown of airport operations for several hours, disrupting travel significantly. Helicopters were deployed in a search operation, but authorities have not yet confirmed the number or types of drones involved, nor their origin. The incident is the latest in a series of drone-related disruptions across Europe, following similar occurrences at airports in Denmark, Norway, and other countries where authorities are on high alert.

Danish officials have suggested Russian involvement in recent drone activities in Europe, though Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed these claims as baseless and referred to the situation as “drone hysteria.” Security measures including the establishment of an EU “drone wall” and tighter anti-drone protocols are being discussed among European leaders to counter such incidents.

Munich Airport resumed flight operations early on October 3, with the first flight arrivals and departures scheduled from around 5:25 a.m. and 5:50 a.m. local time respectively. The airport continues to work with police and aviation authorities to enhance security and prevent future disruptions.