An airport in Germany had to shut down its runway due to the discovery of a drone carrying a potential detonator near a Ukrainian aircraft. The drone, suspected to be an explosive device, was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport late last night. It was located in close proximity to a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane, leading to the closure of the airport’s southern runway for examination by explosives disposal experts.
Authorities are investigating reports of an unidentified flying object possibly related to the incident. A DHL cargo plane had to abort its landing at the airport when the runway closed, later encountering an unidentified object about 400 meters above the ground, causing damage, as reported. Recent unauthorized drone flights at various locations in Germany, including military bases, seaports, logistics centers, and energy facilities, have put airports on high alert.
Following the discovery of the drone, a bomb disposal team was sent to Leipzig/Halle Airport around midnight. The drone was found to carry a mass identified as explosive material with a detonator. Fortunately, the explosive was defective, preventing the bomb from detonating, according to Bild reports.
Initial plans by the German Federal Police for a remote detonation were replaced with securing the drone and its payload in a special container for further examination. NATO investigators are expected to join the inquiry, as four Ukrainian aircraft were near the drone bomb. Investigations are ongoing at the airport without impacting passenger flights, according to German media reports.
