German UAV Disruptions Add to the Continent’s Security Concerns
Munich is now part of a growing group of European aviation hubs affected by UAV observations in recent weeks, involving 17 canceled journeys, 15 diverted elsewhere, and many flyers dealing with delays to their travel during the night.
Several people claimed seeing unmanned aircraft close to the airport, with a additional report later confirmed within the no-fly area, obliging flight regulators to suspend operations during inquiry.
It is still uncertain the number of, or which models, drones were involved.
The disruption happens right before the final days of the Bavarian celebration beer festival, which had already seen disruption in recent days due to a reported danger in the urban area.
The German air navigation service, the German aviation control body responsible for the German airspace, said last week that UAV observations close to airfields are increasing, with 144 incidents up to now in the current year, versus 113 in 2024, and 99 in 2023.
Anticipate the sightings and the related problems to reignite the conversation about Europe’s sky protection, just after the gathering of EU officials in the Danish capital highlighted certain disputes – mostly along geographical lines – about the recently suggested “unmanned aircraft defense” initiative.
It’s Friday, 3 October 2025, and here is the latest from Europe.
Main Highlights
- The Bavarian aviation hub experienced substantial travel issues due to drone sightings.
- Seventeen flights were called off, and several more were sent elsewhere.
- Many individuals dealt with itinerary changes overnight.
- The situation took place right prior to the closing weekend of the famous beer festival.
- UAV observations around the nation’s airfields have been rising in recent years.
- The events are expected to spark debates on European sky protection and the planned “UAV barrier” project.
