Munich Airport suspended all flight operations on Friday morning following a suspected drone sighting near its runways, just one day after a Russian drone struck an apartment building in Romania, escalating security concerns across Europe.
Drone Sighting Prompts Airport Closure
Two pilots reported the suspected drone at the Bavarian airport shortly after 9 am local time. In response, authorities swiftly closed the runways to ensure safety. A police spokesperson confirmed that 'in coordination with German air traffic control, the security authorities then decided to close the runways.' The airport has since reopened, according to German media reports.
Heightened Security Fears in Europe
The incident comes amid heightened security fears after a Russian drone struck a ten-storey apartment block in Galati, eastern Romania, on Thursday. The explosion injured two people and forced the evacuation of 70 residents, marking the first time in the conflict that a drone hit a densely populated area in Romania, causing casualties.
International Reactions
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga declared Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'real threat' to all of Europe following the strike. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte affirmed the alliance's commitment to defend every inch of allied territory after discussing the incident with Romanian President Nicusor Dan. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned Russia's actions, stating that Moscow had 'crossed yet another line.' Romanian officials described the strike as a 'grave and irresponsible escalation.'
Romania's Airspace Breaches
Romania, which shares a 650-kilometer (400-mile) land border with Ukraine, has experienced 28 breaches of its airspace by Russian drones since Moscow intensified attacks on Ukrainian ports along the Danube River, officials reported.
The Munich airport closure underscores the ripple effects of the ongoing conflict, as European nations remain on high alert for potential security threats.
