Airport Leipzig/Halle: Offers for Visitors Suspended

Following the incident involving an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport, guided tours for visitors have been suspended. In addition, the visitor terrace has been closed. The airport announced both measures on its website.

“Dear guests, in light of the recent incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport and the ongoing investigations, we have decided to temporarily suspend guided tours as a precautionary measure. We deeply regret that booked tours cannot take place as planned at this time,” the statement said. The airport will provide an update as soon as tours are possible again.

Last week, “Bild” reported that, among other things, night tours of the airport’s security area were still being offered.

Drone Defense on the Visitor Platform

In addition, the airport’s website stated that the observation deck would remain temporarily closed to visitors. A spokesperson for the Federal Police told the “Leipziger Volkszeitung” (LVZ): “The Federal Police’s drone defense unit is on duty on the visitor platform.” The spokesperson declined to confirm whether a radar system for detecting drones had been installed there. 

A dpa photographer observed over the weekend that radar equipment was being installed on the visitor platform atop the old control tower. A spokesperson for the Federal Police, responding to a dpa inquiry, said that no details about the system would be disclosed for operational reasons. According to the news portal “Tag24,” the system is an EchoShield radar system capable of detecting approaching drones from long distances and tracking their flight paths.

Federal Prosecutor’s Office Investigating

Late Tuesday evening, a drone equipped with explosives and a detonator was discovered near Ukrainian transport aircraft at the airport and was brought down by an employee. In addition, an aircraft collided with an unknown smaller flying object—possibly a second drone. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office is investigating on suspicion of attempted detonation of explosives and dangerous interference with air traffic.