Berlin airport resumes operations after shutdown triggered by drone sighting
What's the story
Berlin Brandenburg Airport temporarily halted flights for nearly two hours. The disruption was caused by the sighting of unidentified drones, an airport spokesperson told AFP. The take-offs and landings were suspended on Friday between 8:08pm and 9:58pm (local time) with a "whole series of flights" diverted to other German cities during this period.
Operational adjustments
Ban on night flights lifted
To lessen the impact on flight operations, Berlin's ban on night flights was also lifted. The spokesperson said, "We assume that the danger has been averted for the time being." This comes as part of a wider pattern of drone-related incidents across Europe, with airports in Denmark, Norway, and Poland recently suspending flights over similar concerns.
Security measures
Alexander Dobrindt calls for improved drone detection capabilities
The rise in drone sightings at airports and sensitive military sites this year has got German leaders worried. They have been sounding the alarm about a growing drone threat. In the wake of these incidents, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has called for Germany to "find new responses to this hybrid threat" like improved detection and assessment capabilities, even possibly shooting down drones.
Widespread incidents
UAV sightings over critical infrastructure in Germany
In recent months, multiple UAV sightings have been reported over military bases, industrial sites, and other critical infrastructure in Germany. In early October, drones spotted over Munich twice shut down the city's airport, stranding thousands of passengers after their flights were canceled or rerouted. These incidents highlight the growing concern about drone-related security threats across Europe.