BERLIN — German authorities launched a counterterrorism investigation on Wednesday after an explosive-laden drone was discovered near a runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport, one of Europe’s largest cargo hubs. The incident prompted the temporary closure of parts of the airport and the diversion of several flights, including a DHL cargo aircraft that later collided with an unidentified object mid-air.
Two key developments emerged overnight:
- Airport workers found the drone in a restricted cargo area near the southern runway, triggering a full alert and the deployment of a bomb disposal robot.
- A DHL cargo plane, diverted due to the runway closure, struck an unidentified flying object approximately 6 kilometers from the airport, sustaining minor damage to its nose before landing safely at Hanover Airport.
Immediate Response and Airport Operations
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as a ‘very serious, security-relevant incident’ and a ‘hybrid attack scenario.’ He noted that while drone threats were not new, the presence of an explosive-laden drone at an airport represented a ‘new quality of danger.’
Authorities reported that most operations resumed by morning after one runway was reopened. The southern runway, a major hub for DHL and Ukrainian Antonov Airlines, remained closed for further inspection. Flights diverted overnight included a passenger plane from Mallorca, which was redirected to Nuremberg Airport.
Investigative Focus and Suspected Links
The drone was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, with the phrase ‘Be Brave Like Kherson’ written on its side. While the investigation has not yet confirmed the drone’s origin, multiple reports cited Russian involvement as a potential suspect due to a pattern of alleged hybrid attacks involving drones in Europe.
German security services, including the Federal Police, are examining whether the drone and the mid-air collision were coordinated incidents. Police deployed an explosive-detection robot to safely remove the detonator from the device. Authorities have not yet located the remains of the object that struck the DHL plane.
Broader Context: Rising Drone Threats in Germany
The incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport follows a series of unauthorized drone overflights at sensitive sites across Germany, including military bases, energy terminals, seaports, and logistics companies. In July 2024, a parcel containing an explosive device was discovered at the same airport, raising suspicions of sabotage linked to Moscow. Russian officials have denied involvement in those incidents.
German airports remain on high alert, with federal police warning that such overflights could be organized by Russian agents. In 2023, a Chinese national was convicted for passing flight schedule and cargo movement information from Leipzig-Halle Airport to a foreign intelligence service.
Official Statements and Ongoing Uncertainties
Dobrindt emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that authorities are assessing whether the incidents were isolated or part of a broader pattern. He stated that the explosive drone posed a ‘high level of danger’ and required a ‘high degree of technical experience’ to execute, suggesting involvement by a sophisticated actor.
As of Wednesday evening, German security services were scheduled to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the findings and next steps. The southern runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport remained closed pending further forensic analysis.