German authorities have opened a counterterrorism investigation after an explosive aden drone was discovered near a runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport, forcing temporary disruptions at one of Europe’s busiest cargo hubs.
The drone was found overnight in a restricted cargo area near the airport’s southern runway, prompting officials to suspend flights and divert several aircraft, including some operated by DHL. Authorities said there was no immediate danger to passengers or airport staff, and most operations resumed after one runway reopened.
Investigators are also examining an incident involving a DHL cargo aircraft, which struck an unidentified object shortly after takeoff before being diverted to Hanover, where inspectors found minor damage.
Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has called an emergency meeting with the country’s security chiefs as explosives experts continue examining the drone. The southern runway remains closed while investigators remove and analyse the device.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns following a series of unauthorised drone flights over German military sites, ports, energy facilities and logistics centres. Federal police have previously suggested some of these overflights may be linked to Russian agents, although Russia has denied any involvement.
German media reported that the drone was discovered close to a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft, which has operated from Leipzig/Halle since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Authorities have not confirmed any connection.
The case also follows investigations into incendiary devices hidden in parcels that ignited across Europe in 2024, including at a DHL warehouse in Leipzig. Officials said it is too early to determine whether the latest incident is related.
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