A drone carrying an explosive device was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport, a major freight hub in Germany, with authorities removing its detonator, officials announced Wednesday.
The airport's runways were shut down and multiple flights, including a passenger aircraft, were redirected after a flying object was spotted near the facility shortly before midnight. Police deployed an anti-explosives robot to inspect an object discovered near the south runway.
An airport employee found the drone near the south runway equipped with "an unknown explosive device," According to a statement from Saxony's state criminal police and prosecutors in Dresden. Officers removed the detonator but did not disclose details about the device itself.
A second flying object reportedly struck a cargo plane that had aborted its landing due to the runway closure. The aircraft diverted to Hannover Airport, approximately 200 kilometers northwest, where inspectors identified minor damage.
The north runway reopened after roughly two hours. The south runway had been scheduled for maintenance Wednesday. Officials stated there was no threat to passengers or staff, and airport operations were not disrupted Wednesday.
German Interior Ministry spokesperson Leonard Kaminski confirmed a drone was found at the airport but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation. He also declined to comment on media reports linking the discovery to a Ukrainian aircraft.
The airport serves as a major cargo center and houses Ukrainian Antonov transport planes.
No information has emerged regarding potential responsibility. In 2024, an incendiary device ignited at a logistics facility at the airport, destroying a freight container in what Western security officials believe was connected to Russian intelligence. When asked if he sees a direct link to this incident, Kaminski said there was none apparent at present.
