What is the extent of the disruption caused by drone sightings at Munich airport?

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Drone Sightings Cause Significant Disruption at Munich Airport

Munich airport experienced substantial operational disruptions due to drone sightings on consecutive days, affecting approximately 9,000 passengers and leading to numerous flight cancellations and diversions. Operations were halted on Friday evening for the second time within 48 hours, following an initial incident on Thursday. The airport anticipates a full resumption of normal services by Saturday morning.
Friday's Disruptions Affect Thousands

On Friday, air traffic was restricted and subsequently cancelled from 9:30 pm onwards due to confirmed drone sightings. This resulted in 23 incoming flights being diverted and 12 scheduled to land in Munich being cancelled. Furthermore, 46 departures were either cancelled or delayed until Saturday. In total, 6,500 passengers were impacted by the Friday evening shutdown. Police confirmed two simultaneous drone sightings near the north and south runways shortly before 11 pm.
Thursday's Incident Stranded Nearly 3,000 Passengers

The initial disruption on Thursday evening caused more than 30 flights to be cancelled, leaving close to 3,000 passengers stranded. The first drone sightings were reported around 8:30 pm local time in areas adjacent to the airport, including the towns of Freising and Erding. Drones were observed near the airport perimeter around 9:05 pm, with further sightings over the airport complex approximately one hour later, leading to the closure of both runways until around midnight.
Passenger Support Provided During Halt

During both periods of operational halt, the airport collaborated with airlines to provide essential support for stranded passengers within the terminals. This included the provision of camp beds, blankets, drinks, and snacks. The aim was to mitigate the discomfort for those affected by the unexpected flight suspensions.
Broader Context of Drone Incidents in Europe

The drone sightings at Munich airport occur amidst a backdrop of similar incidents at other European airports, including those in Denmark, Norway, and Poland. Some European nations have suggested potential links to Russia, a claim that Moscow has denied. These events have prompted discussions about the increasing threat posed by drones and the need for enhanced defence measures at national and European levels.

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What is the extent of the disruption caused by drone sightings at Munich airport?

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