🔗 Share this article

The Bavarian capital joins a increasing list of European airports affected by unmanned aircraft reports in the past few days, with 17 flights cancelled, 15 sent to other airports, and many flyers experiencing problems to their trips during the night.

Various individuals reported spotting drones in the vicinity of the aviation facility, with a additional sighting later confirmed within the protected airspace, compelling flight regulators to stop flights pending investigation.

It continues to be unclear how many, or what kind, unmanned aircraft were engaged.

The incident occurs shortly prior to the final days of the Oktoberfest gathering, which had previously experienced problems a few days ago due to security concerns in the city.

Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, the national air navigation service provider responsible for the German airspace, said in the past few days that unmanned aircraft reports near aviation hubs are increasing, with 144 reported to date in the current year, versus 113 last year, and 99 two years ago.

Expect the sightings and the connected disruption to spark the conversation about the EU’s sky protection, following the EU leaders’ meeting in the Danish capital highlighted some disagreements – mainly along regional divisions – about the freshly introduced “unmanned aircraft defense” plan.

It’s October 3, 2025, a Friday, and we bring you Europe Live.

Key Points

• Munich Airport experienced major journey disruptions due to unmanned aircraft observations.
• Seventeen flights were cancelled, and several more were diverted.
• Many individuals faced delays during the night.
• The situation took place shortly before the final days of the Bavarian celebration.
• Unmanned aircraft reports around the country’s aviation facilities have been growing in the past few years.
• The events are anticipated to reignite debates on EU sky protection and the proposed “unmanned aircraft defense” initiative.