Munich Airport experienced a significant disruption on the evening of October 2, 2025, when operations were suspended due to multiple drone sightings near the airfield. The incident, which began around 10:18 PM local time, led to the cancellation of 17 flights and diverted 15 inbound aircraft to other European cities, including Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Frankfurt. Approximately 3,000 passengers were affected, with airport and airline staff providing essential amenities like camp beds and food to those stranded. The airport eventually resumed normal operations in the early hours of Friday, October 3, 2025.
This event underscores a growing concern across Europe regarding unauthorized drone activity near critical infrastructure, particularly airports. Similar incidents have recently occurred in Denmark and Norway, leading to temporary airport closures and heightened security discussions. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has suggested that Russia could be responsible for some of these disruptions, noting Europe is facing a perilous geopolitical situation.
In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed allegations of Russian drone incursions, even jesting about not sending more drones to certain countries, such as France or Denmark, and stating that Russia does not have drones capable of reaching Lisbon.
In response to the escalating drone issue, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has advocated for the creation of a "drone wall" to enhance the protection of Europe's eastern flank. This initiative is part of a broader EU strategy to develop a coordinated shield against aerial threats, integrating systems like radars and acoustic sensors, with the goal of enhancing defense readiness by 2030. The concept draws lessons from the use of drones in conflicts, such as in Ukraine, and aims to create a robust ecosystem for drone defense.
While the idea of a "drone wall" has garnered support, its implementation involves complex discussions among member states regarding technological integration and funding. The urgency of these discussions is amplified by the fact that drone incursions have become a recurring challenge, with over 2,000 reported near U.S. airports since 2021, leading to flight delays and safety concerns. The vulnerability of air traffic control to unmanned aerial systems is a clear and present challenge, necessitating a unified and proactive approach from European nations to ensure the safety and security of their airspace. German federal and state police are involved in the investigation, but it has not yet been established who is responsible for the violations or what the drones' objectives were. The incident at Munich Airport serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of security threats and the imperative for enhanced, coordinated defense strategies within the European Union.