Drone carrying 'explosive device' found at German airport, prompting investigation

German authorities are currently investigating a significant security incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport following the discovery of a drone carrying a suspected explosive device near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane overnight into Wednesday. An airport employee found the drone in the cargo area, prompting the deployment of bomb disposal specialists who used a robot to remove a detonator from the device. State prosecutors, including units focused on extremism and terrorism prevention, have taken charge of the inquiry.

Separately, a DHL cargo plane reportedly collided with an unidentified object mid-air about six kilometers from Leipzig Airport after being forced to abort its flight due to the unfolding security situation. The aircraft, which sustained minor damage to its nose section, subsequently landed safely in Hanover. The incidents led to the temporary suspension of flight operations at Leipzig/Halle, a major European cargo hub, with the southern runway remaining closed and several flights being diverted.

Investigators are examining whether the drone incident and the mid-air collision are connected, with sabotage not being ruled out as a possibility. Leipzig/Halle Airport serves as a crucial logistics center for military goods and hosts Ukraine's Antonov Airlines, and NATO has confirmed awareness of the situation. This event occurs amidst heightened concerns in Germany and across Europe regarding unauthorized drone activities near critical infrastructure, with some incidents previously attributed to suspected Russian agents.