Germany’s Munich airport has been closed for the time being, with flights out of it having been “suspended,” according to an official statement. In light of drone sightings close to the airspace, more than a dozen flights were cancelled, while at least 17 grounded, as per the official press release. Nearly 3,000 passengers were affected in the process.

Early Friday, Munich airport released an official stance on the issue. Flight operations were restricted at the scene from 10:18 pm (2018 GMT) Thursday. They were ultimately suspended altogether, with multiple drone sightings listed as the reason.

Munich airport’s statement after drone sightings

“Munich Airport, in cooperation with the airlines, immediately took care of the passengers in the terminals,” the airport added. “Camp beds were set up, and blankets, drinks, and snacks were provided. In addition, 15 arriving flights were diverted to Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Frankfurt.”

ALSO READ

It further affirmed that in case of a drone sighting, the safety of travellers was its top priority. “Reporting chains between air traffic control, the airport, and police authorities have been established for years. It is important to emphasize that the detection and defense against drones are sovereign tasks and are the responsibility of the federal and state police,” the press release stated.

Airport drone sightings, Munich chaos in the news

The Munich airport disruption adds to the similar streak of drone sightings encountered by European aviation in the recent past. Last week, Denmark and Norway had to face temporary shutdowns over the same reason. Although Russian interference was speculated, no disclosures on the matter confirmed the claims. On top of that, Moscow went on to deny responsibility for the same too.

Moreover, trouble at the Munich airport is bound to send the city-dwellers over the edge, especially since it comes hot on the heels of Oktoberfest being rocked by a bomb threat.

Just this week, it was revealed that the beer festival in Munich was temporarily halted after police found explosives in a residential building in the north of the city. The place caught fire, leaving one person dead. It was ultimately revealed that the building was set ablaze during a family dispute.

ALSO READ

“We are currently investigating all possibilities. Possible connections to other locations in Munich are being examined, including the Theresienwiese (where the Oktoberfest is located),” the police said on WhatsApp.

This is a breaking story. More Information will be added soon…