German authorities have launched a counterterrorism investigation after an explosive-laden drone was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport overnight. The drone was discovered by airport workers in a restricted cargo area near the southern runway, close to a Ukrainian Antonov Airlines cargo plane. This airline has been using Leipzig/Halle as an operating base since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The discovery led to the suspension of flights, the diversion of several aircraft, and the closure of parts of the airport, including the southern runway which is a major hub for DHL and Antonov Airlines.
A bomb disposal robot was deployed to remove the detonator from the explosive device. Saxony's Interior Minister Armin Schuster described the incident as a "very serious security incident." While most operations resumed by morning after the northern runway was reopened, the southern runway remained closed as experts examined the drone. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt scheduled an emergency meeting with security service heads to discuss the situation.
Adding to the disruption, a DHL cargo plane that had been diverted from Leipzig/Halle Airport struck an unidentified object in the air while climbing away. The plane sustained minor damage to its nose and landed safely at Hanover Airport. This incident is also under investigation. Authorities confirmed there was no danger to passengers or airport staff.
German airports have been on high alert due to a series of unauthorized drone overflights at various critical facilities, including military sites, energy terminals, seaports, and logistics companies. Federal police have suggested that these overflights could be organized by Russian agents, although Russia has denied any involvement in previous incidents. Anti-extremism prosecutors and counterterrorism officers have taken over the current investigation, particularly after experts confirmed the drone was carrying explosives. The explosive device may have been made from common materials like fertilizer and gasoline.
