Drone reports briefly disrupt flights at Nuremberg Airport

Flights at Albrecht Dürer Airport in Nuremberg were briefly disrupted early Tuesday after three pilots reported seeing a suspected drone near the airfield, police said.

The reports were made during takeoffs and landings between about 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. local time (0000 to 0200 GMT), according to police.

Border police, airport management and German air traffic control launched a security sweep, and takeoffs and landings were halted as a precaution.

Police spokesman Michael Petzold said the search, which included a police helicopter, did not confirm the presence of the reported object. The Nuremberg border police inspectorate is continuing its investigation.

The incident comes amid heightened concern in Germany about drone sightings near airports and other critical infrastructure. In August, authorities found a drone carrying explosives at Leipzig/Halle Airport, near Ukrainian cargo aircraft.

German officials accused Russia of attempting the attack as part of hybrid operations intended to spread public fear and pressure Berlin to reduce its support for Ukraine. Moscow denied the allegations.