Drone carrying explosive disrupts German airport, cargo plane damaged

Dhaka: Flight operations at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport were temporarily disrupted after authorities discovered a drone carrying an explosive device inside a restricted area, while a separate unidentified flying object struck a cargo aircraft during the same incident.

According to German police, the drone was found in a secure cargo operations area near the airport's south runway late on August 5. Bomb disposal experts were called in and safely removed the detonator attached to the device before launching a detailed investigation.

Authorities said the runway closure forced an incoming cargo aircraft to abort its landing. During the diversion, the aircraft was hit by an unidentified flying object, sustaining minor damage before landing safely at Hannover Airport.

The security incident prompted the temporary suspension of flight operations, with several aircraft, including a passenger flight, diverted to other airports. While the north runway later reopened following safety inspections, the south runway remained closed for further investigation.

The case is now being handled by German prosecutors alongside counter-terrorism and extremism units.

Saxony Interior Minister Armin Schuster described the incident as "very serious," as Germany continues to face growing concerns over unauthorized drone activity near airports, military installations and other critical infrastructure.