German Police Defuse Explosive-Laden Drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport

Berlin: German police safely defused a drone carrying an explosive device after it was discovered near a runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport, prompting a major security operation and the temporary suspension of flight operations at one of Europe's busiest cargo hubs.

Airport authorities halted take-offs and landings overnight after a suspicious flying object was reported in the restricted airport zone. Bomb disposal experts were deployed to examine the device, which was later confirmed to be a drone equipped with an explosive payload. Officers successfully removed the detonator and neutralised the threat without injuries or damage.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as representing a "new quality of danger," warning that the use of an explosive-laden drone at a civilian airport marks a significant escalation in security threats facing the country. He said authorities are treating the case as a potential "hybrid attack scenario" while investigations continue.

The airport's runways were temporarily closed as police secured the area and carried out extensive searches. Several flights were diverted to nearby airports before operations gradually resumed after officials declared the site safe. One runway remained unavailable due to scheduled maintenance.

Investigators are also examining reports that a second unidentified flying object may have struck a cargo aircraft after it aborted its landing because of the runway closure. The aircraft landed safely at another airport, where inspectors found only minor damage. Authorities are working to determine whether the two incidents are connected.

Federal and regional security agencies have launched a joint investigation to identify the origin of the drone, determine who was responsible, and establish whether the incident is linked to broader sabotage or terrorism-related activities. Officials have not identified any suspects and have not attributed responsibility while the inquiry remains ongoing.

Leipzig/Halle Airport is one of Germany's most important freight hubs and serves as a major logistics centre for international cargo operations. The incident has renewed concerns about the growing threat posed by drones near critical infrastructure and is expected to prompt a review of airport security measures and airspace surveillance across Germany.