A drone fitted with a suspected detonator was discovered near a Ukrainian aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, prompting a major security operation that closed a runway overnight and caused flight diversions.
Drone Found Near Ukrainian Cargo Plane
The unmanned aerial vehicle, considered a possible explosive device by investigators, was found around midnight adjacent to a stationary Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane at the airport, which is the principal DHL freight terminal.
Specialist bomb disposal units were dispatched to examine the device, leading to the immediate closure of the airport's southern runway. German Federal Police used specialist robots to carry out a controlled detonation of the object, which allegedly contained an unidentified substance along with its triggering device.
Security Operation and Flight Disruptions
While authorities have not verified whether the controlled explosion took place, active investigations into the security breach continue. Police in Lower Saxony have officially classified the incident as a state security matter, specifically noting that deliberate sabotage has not been discounted.
The security incident significantly disrupted regional flight operations throughout the night. Several inbound flights were redirected to other airports, including a passenger service from Mallorca that was diverted to Nuremberg Airport, before standard operations recommenced by morning.
Possible Related Incident
Law enforcement authorities are investigating a separate, potentially connected aerial disturbance from the same evening. According to German publication Bild, a cargo plane was compelled to abort its final approach and execute a go-around six kilometres from the runway before colliding with an unidentified airborne object at approximately 1,300 feet (400 metres).
The aircraft subsequently touched down without incident at Hanover Airport, where engineers discovered minor damage to its nose.
Gatwick Fuel Issue Resolved
Separately, a problem affecting Gatwick's aviation fuel supply has been resolved, the airport has confirmed. A warning was issued on Sunday, instructing pilots operating from the West Sussex hub to "fuel from outstations (other airports) if possible" owing to an "external fuel supply issue".
The notification, distributed through the Notam (Notice to Aviation) system, was scheduled to remain active until 11pm on Monday. Yet on Monday morning, a spokesperson for Gatwick stated: "Following a temporary technical issue yesterday that impacted fuel supply to the airport, we are pleased to report that the issue has now been resolved."
"Fuel is flowing as expected, all airlines are operating as normal and passengers should continue to travel as planned. We will continue to monitor the situation closely."
