Drone with explosive device found at Leipzig/Halle Airport, detonator removed

German authorities have removed the detonator from an explosive device attached to a drone discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport, prompting an investigation and the temporary closure of runways. The incident, which unfolded overnight, led to flight diversions and a police response involving an explosives-disposal robot.

An airport employee found the drone near the runway carrying what authorities described as "an unknown explosive device," according to Saxony police. The device was examined by police explosives experts, who removed its detonator, though authorities have not detailed the nature of the device.

Coverage comparison

The incident, reported by Al Jazeera, the BBC, and The Hindu, highlights a coordinated response. Al Jazeera noted that a robot was deployed to examine the object, with the airport's north runway reopening after about two hours. The BBC reported that flights were initially suspended but one runway was later cleared for use. The Hindu added that the south runway was closed for scheduled maintenance.

A separate incident involved a second flying object that collided with a freight aircraft after it aborted its landing due to the closed runway. The aircraft, which had taken off from Leipzig/Halle, was diverted to Hannover airport, where minor damage was detected, according to police and prosecutors. Authorities have not determined if the two objects are connected.

Key claims

  • A drone carrying an explosive device was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport, with the device spotted in the cargo operation area.
  • A robot was deployed to examine the device, and the detonator was subsequently removed by police.
  • A second unidentified object collided with a cargo plane after it had taken off, causing minor damage.
  • Flights were initially suspended but resumed on one runway after about two hours.
  • The probe is being led by prosecutors in Saxony, who handle politically motivated and 'extremist' crimes.
  • NATO said it is aware of the incident but redirected queries to German authorities.

Related context

The bishop also said that in 2024, an incendiary device ignited at a logistics centre at the airport, part of a plot that Western security officials suspect was behind Russian intelligence, according to The Hindu. German Interior Ministry spokesperson Leonard Kaminski said he does not see a direct connection to the overnight incident at this point.