An explosive device attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been discovered at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport, prompting heightened security measures across the facility.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, which cited international media reports, the incident occurred when an airport employee spotted the suspicious device in the vicinity of cargo aircraft belonging to Ukraine. Following the discovery, bomb disposal units were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Police officials confirmed that the device was found near parked Antonov aircraft. The detonator was removed, and the device was subsequently neutralized in a controlled manner. In a separate incident, an unidentified object collided with one of the cargo planes near the same airport; the aircraft sustained minor damage but landed safely at Hannover Airport. Following the security operation, the northern runway was reopened at 01:55 local time, while the southern runway remained closed for further investigation.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that these incidents indicate a new phase of threats facing the country. In recent months, Germany has seen a surge in unauthorized drone flights over military bases, airports, energy terminals, and logistics hubs, leading to tightened security protocols. While Moscow has denied involvement, German police have issued warnings regarding potential Russian links to these security breaches.
Leipzig/Halle Airport serves as a critical logistics hub, playing a vital role in the transport of military equipment for the German Armed Forces and NATO allies. The airport also functions as a primary base for Antonov Airlines, which handles a significant portion of Ukraine's air cargo, and serves as a major hub for the global logistics company DHL.
