Leipzig Airport: Drone Carrying Explosives Defused

Following the nighttime drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport, specialists from the Federal Police defused a drone equipped with an explosive device. According to the State Criminal Police Office (LKA), the detonator of an as-yet-unknown explosive device was removed. 

A political motive has not been ruled out

The Dresden State Attorney General’s Office and the Police Center for Countering Terrorism and Extremism (PTAZ), which is based at the LKA, have taken over the investigation. They have not ruled out a political motive. That is why the PTAZ is also involved, officials said. The airport is considered part of critical infrastructure.

Second flying object collided with a cargo plane

According to the LKA, the drone carrying the explosive device was found on the “South Runway” by an airport employee. A second, unidentified flying object is believed to have collided with a cargo plane after it took off again following the earlier closure of the runway. Minor damage was found on the aircraft after it landed in Hanover, officials said.

Saxony’s Interior Minister Armin Schuster (CDU) called it a “very serious security incident.” As a result, state and federal security agencies are working closely together to investigate the matter with the utmost urgency. Among others, the Joint Center for Countering Hybrid Threats (GAZ Hybrid) and the Federal Police’s drone defense unit were involved. He was also in constant communication with Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU).

Flight operations were initially suspended completely after the drone was detected during the night. Following a thorough inspection of the airport, the “Nordpiste” runway was cleared for use again later that night. The “Südpiste” runway was not to be used on Wednesday due to maintenance.

No danger to passengers or airport staff

“There is no danger to the life or limb of passengers or airport employees. Passenger air traffic is not affected,” investigators clarified.