Drone with Suspected Detonator Found at Leipzig/Halle Airport
German authorities conduct controlled detonation as aviation security incidents escalate across the country, prompting sabotage concerns.
Carla Rooney
A drone fitted with a suspected detonator was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
The discovery immediately closed the southern runway late on Tuesday night, disrupting airport operations. A bomb disposal squad deployed to the airport around midnight.
German Federal Police used robots to carry out a controlled detonation of the object. German authorities classified the drone as a possible explosive device.
The drone allegedly contained an unidentified substance along with its triggering device, German Federal Police confirmed. Security sources claim the drone found near the Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft was fitted with explosives and a detonator.
Several inbound flights redirected to other airports due to the security incident. The southern runway serves as a major cargo hub for logistics giant DHL.
This event follows a separate incident near Hanover Airport, where a cargo plane sustained minor damage to its nose after a potential collision with an unidentified airborne object. A cargo plane was compelled to abort its final approach and execute a go-around six kilometers from the runway before colliding with an unidentified airborne object.
Police also investigated reports of an unidentified flying object linked to the incident. Police in Lower Saxony have not discounted deliberate sabotage as a cause for the incident.
Germany has accused Russia of orchestrating sabotage and disinformation campaigns. NATO investigators will participate in the investigation.
The Central Office for Extremism Saxony (ZESA) and the state counter-terrorism unit are investigating the incident. A Chinese national was convicted last year for espionage activities at Leipzig-Halle airport.
In July 2024, a fire bomb sent via DHL exploded at Leipzig airport, with a second reaching the UK and a second package found in Poland. Investigations are ongoing, but passenger flights are not disrupted.
The explosive material was reportedly defective, preventing detonation. Gatwick Airport confirmed that an issue affecting its aviation fuel supply has been resolved.