Munich Airport, one of Germany’s busiest travel hubs, found itself at the center of an international security storm earlier this month as waves of unidentified drones forced repeated closures, stranded thousands of travelers, and reignited Cold War-era anxieties across Europe. The incidents, which unfolded over October 2 and 3, 2025, have since drawn in top German officials, sparked a sharp rebuke from the Kremlin, and triggered heightened security measures at airports across the continent.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was quick to address the public’s growing unease. Appearing on ARD’s Caren Miosga program on October 5, Merz stated, “Our assumption is that Russia is behind most of these drone flights.” He emphasized that these incursions were unprecedented in frequency, surpassing even the tense standoffs of the Cold War. “First and foremost, I can reassure the public: so far, we have not had a single incident involving an armed drone,” Merz added, highlighting that the drones were engaged in espionage and reconnaissance, not direct attacks. Nevertheless, the chancellor warned, “They are also intended to destabilize the population.” According to reports from Reuters and DW, Merz made clear that Germany is investigating every incident, regardless of the suspected perpetrator, due to the serious threat these drones pose to national security.
The Munich Airport disruptions began on the night of October 3, when authorities suspended operations after unknown drones were sighted near the facility. The first closure led to 17 flight cancellations, with 15 additional flights diverted to Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Frankfurt. Less than 24 hours later, another drone sighting forced a second suspension, stranding more than 10,000 passengers, many of whom had just attended the world-famous Oktoberfest. Police patrols confirmed simultaneous drone activity over both the north and south runways, but the drones vanished before they could be identified or intercepted, despite a police helicopter being dispatched. According to Bild, German police responded by deploying a laser-based system to help secure the airport after the repeated disruptions.
The chaos in Munich was not an isolated incident. German authorities had previously recorded drone activity over Schleswig-Holstein, with suspicions that the aircraft deliberately targeted critical infrastructure. Drones were also reported near Frankfurt Airport, an ammunition depot, and flying in formation above a police base in Gifhorn, according to German media cited by The Moscow Times. These sightings have been described by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt as part of an “arms race” that demands urgent action.
Germany is not alone in facing this wave of airspace violations. Since late August 2025, airports across Europe have reported similar incidents. Copenhagen Airport suspended operations on September 22 after drone movements were detected, with Danish law enforcement suggesting a “capable actor” with significant resources was likely responsible. The Danish military also reported drone sightings near army installations on September 28. Norway experienced temporary closure of Oslo Airport due to drone interference, while France detected drones near a military base. Even Poland was not spared, with its airports introducing temporary suspensions in response to unidentified drones. On October 1, French authorities detained a Benin-flagged oil tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” possibly connected to the drone flights over Denmark, according to media reports.
The pattern is clear: Europe is experiencing a surge of airspace intrusions, with drones appearing over critical sites and major airports, disrupting travel and raising alarms about security vulnerabilities. The scale and sophistication of these incursions have led many officials to point the finger at Moscow. As Chancellor Merz put it, “We suspect that a significant portion of it is probably controlled from Russia. But we are investigating the matter, and regardless of where it comes from, it is a serious threat to our security.”
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder echoed Merz’s concerns during an interview on ARD, noting, “This is also a form of hybrid warfare—to make us nervous, to scare us. (...) Therefore, we must not show weakness and must not be afraid. (...) We need to act wisely, calmly, but consistently.” Söder admitted, however, that definitive proof of Russian involvement was still lacking: “Russia could be behind the drones spotted over Munich Airport but acknowledged uncertainty.”
Not everyone is convinced by Berlin’s suspicions. The Kremlin was quick to dismiss the allegations. On October 6, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “There are many politicians in Europe who now tend to blame Russia baselessly and indiscriminately for everything. That’s how we view these statements [by Merz]. The whole story about these drones is strange, to say the least, but Russia should not be blamed without evidence.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova went a step further, mocking Merz’s claim by suggesting German authorities would “investigate the drone sightings in the next century.” Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, accused Europe of stoking “hysteria” to justify increased military spending.
While the political blame game plays out, the practical impact on travelers and airport operations has been severe. The closures at Munich Airport alone affected up to 10,000 passengers, causing cascading delays across European airspace. Runway closures and diversions left many stranded far from their intended destinations, with the timing especially disruptive during the busy Oktoberfest period.
Authorities are now racing to adapt. German police have stepped up patrols and deployed advanced detection systems, including the aforementioned laser-based countermeasures at Munich Airport. Investigations continue not only into possible foreign espionage but also into incidents involving private drone operators. Merz noted that while some drones are undoubtedly operated by private citizens—such as a recent incident near Frankfurt Airport—any flight near airports is strictly prohibited by law, and all cases are being scrutinized for potential security threats.
The wave of drone sightings has also reignited debate about Europe’s readiness to counter hybrid threats—those that blend traditional espionage, cyberattacks, and psychological tactics to destabilize societies. The scale of recent incursions, exceeding even Cold War levels according to Merz, has prompted calls for greater investment in airspace security and closer coordination among European states. Interior Minister Dobrindt’s warning of an “arms race” underscores the urgency with which officials view the situation.
As investigations continue, the question of responsibility remains unsettled. German authorities have yet to present concrete evidence linking the drone flights directly to the Kremlin, and Russia remains adamant in its denials. Yet the pattern of incidents, the timing, and the targets—critical infrastructure, airports, and military sites—have left many in Europe on edge. Whether this marks a new phase in hybrid warfare or a series of opportunistic disruptions, the challenge for European security agencies is clear: vigilance and adaptation are now the order of the day.
For travelers, airport staff, and policymakers alike, the recent events in Munich are a stark reminder that the skies above Europe are no longer immune to the turbulence of modern geopolitical rivalry.
