Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany was forced to close its southern runway after a drone carrying what appeared to be an explosive device was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane late last night. The drone was deemed a possible explosive device by investigators, prompting the closure while experts examined the object using explosives-disposal methods.
Incident Details
A DHL cargo plane reportedly aborted its landing at the airport after the runway was closed. It then collided with an unidentified object about 400 metres above the ground, roughly six kilometres from the airport. Damage to the plane was discovered after it had landed safely at Hanover.
A bomb disposal squad was dispatched to the airport at around midnight shortly after the drone was discovered. Attached to the drone was a mass identified as explosive material, containing a detonator. The explosive was defective, however, so the bomb did not go off, according to Bild.
Investigation and Impact
Following earlier reports that German Federal Police planned a remotely controlled detonation of the object, local media now report that the drone and package will be placed in a special container so it can be examined for possible evidence. NATO investigators also intend to participate in the investigation.
Four Ukrainian aircraft were said to be in the immediate vicinity of the drone bomb. Investigations are still underway at the airport, with no disruption to passenger flights, German media reports. There are also reports of an unidentified flying object with possible links to last night’s incident, which are currently being investigated by authorities.
In recent weeks, there have been a string of unauthorized drone flights at sites across Germany, including military installations, seaports, logistics hubs, and energy infrastructure, with airports placed on high alert.
