🔗 Share this article Munich International Airport Suspends Operations for Consecutive Day Due to Drone Sightings Once again, Munich airport was compelled to halt its takeoffs and landings on Friday following several drone sightings. The incident disrupted dozens of flights and more than 6,000 flyers. Widespread Continental Disruptions Terminals across the Danish territory, Norwegian regions, and Polish cities in recent times faced similar flight suspensions as a result of unidentified unmanned aerial vehicles. At the same time, Romanian authorities and Estonia have accused Moscow, which has dismissed the allegations. Friday's Occurrence at Munich As stated by an official statement from the facility, on Friday "from 9.30pm aviation activities were restricted and eventually stopped as a result of unmanned aircraft reports". This led to, 23 arriving services being diverted and a dozen outbound flights headed to the city getting canceled. Moreover, 46 takeoffs from the facility ended up cancelled or delayed for Saturday, impacting approximately 6,500 travelers. Law Enforcement Statement A law enforcement representative mentioned that occurred "dual substantiated UAV observations from officers on duty shortly before 11pm around the northern and southern airstrips". "These UAVs immediately moved away prior to authorities could recognize them," he added. Passenger Aid "Similar to the night before, the facility, together with aviation companies, promptly offered amenities to travelers inside the building. Temporary beds were installed, together with coverings, beverages, and food items," the statement reported. The airport projects flights to return as normal by 5 AM Saturday morning. Prior Incident on Thursday The first stoppage Thursday night led to more than 30 departures and arrivals to be cancelled and affected almost 3,000 passengers delayed. The first incident commenced at 8.30pm in the evening when authorities say drones were observed in locations near the airport, including the towns of Freising area and Erding. This region houses a military airbase operated by the Bundeswehr. Even though media outlets suggested some of the drones were observed passing over the base, authorities did not substantiate this. Initial UAVs near the airport perimeter were observed approximately 9.05pm Thursday night, and then over the terminal area roughly sixty minutes after. These observations ceased by 12 AM, after leading to the stoppage of both runways. Police helicopters were deployed though "little data is available regarding the varieties and count of unmanned aircraft", authorities stated. Official Response Earlier on Friday a senior German official, Alexander Dobrindt, commented the initial disruption acted as a "warning" on risks associated with unmanned aircraft. "The competition involving drone dangers and protection from drones is becoming more and more difficult," he stated to media outlets, stating that "more financing and research" regarding drones was urgently needed throughout the country and continent. Context of the Event The disruptions happened when the country marked a national holiday on Friday – a national holiday – and while the city prepared for the concluding period of the famous beer festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the city each day. The annual beer gala and funfair previously ceased operations for several hours Wednesday after a security alert. Legal Measures The German government is likely on Wednesday to sign off plans for an amendment in regulations to let the army eliminate unmanned aircraft when needed. A senior official, the politician, commented to the press that "we need to have the capability to shoot [drones] down right away instead of waiting", and noted that authorities ought to be authorized to act accordingly. Wider European Concerns The drone sightings in Denmark and notable airspace breaches over Estonian land and Poland have increased apprehensions that Moscow's aggression in Ukraine may spread Europe’s borders. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, warned Europe on Thursday that the latest drone incursions showed Moscow aimed to "intensify" military activities. Berlin is on high alert, saying a swarm of drones had flown over German territory last week, even above military and industrial sites. Danish authorities similarly expressed concern, as the leader stated, the leader, reiterating recently that a single nation "poses a threat for continental safety – and it is the Russian Federation". Moscow said it "firmly rejects" any claim of participation, as the leader, the president, alleging European nations of promoting "panic" to rationalize rising military spending.