The incident began in the early afternoon when air traffic controllers and airport police received credible reports of at least one, possibly multiple, drones flying dangerously close to the runways and taxiways. Adhering to strict safety protocols, the Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), Germany's air traffic control authority, made the decision to halt all takeoffs and landings, effectively sealing the airport off from the skies.
Planes circling overhead were diverted to other major airports, including Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and even as far as Vienna, while aircraft on the ground were ordered to hold their positions, leaving passengers stuck on the tarmac for hours with little information.
Inside the terminals, frustration mounted as departure boards lit up with cancellations. Crowds swelled around airline service desks, with travelers anxiously seeking information and alternative routes. Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and anger as families with young children and business travelers saw their plans suddenly dissolve.
"It was absolute chaos," said one stranded passenger, a British tourist hoping to catch a connecting flight to the United States. "One minute we were boarding, the next we were told all flights were grounded. No one knew what was happening or for how long. It's unbelievable that a small toy can bring one of the biggest airports in the world to its knees."
A massive security operation was immediately launched. Federal police helicopters were scrambled to search for the drone and its operator, while specialized ground units swept the vast airfield. Airport authorities deployed advanced drone detection technology, using radar and radio frequency scanners to try and pinpoint the rogue devices.
Airport officials and aviation experts have condemned the act as incredibly reckless and dangerous. "Flying a drone near an active airfield is not a harmless prank; it is a serious criminal act that puts hundreds of lives at risk," an airport spokesperson stated in a press conference. "A collision between a drone and an aircraft, particularly during takeoff or landing, could have catastrophic consequences."
The incident highlights a growing and persistent threat to the global aviation industry. Major airports worldwide have been grappling with the challenge of preventing unauthorized drone incursions, which can be difficult to detect and even harder to trace back to their operators. German law imposes severe penalties, including hefty fines and prison sentences, for endangering air traffic.
After a tense, multi-hour shutdown, airport authorities finally gave the all-clear to resume operations late in the evening. However, the ripple effects are expected to last for days, with a significant backlog of flights to clear and thousands of passengers still needing to be rerouted to their final destinations. The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities determined to find and prosecute the individual or individuals responsible for causing such widespread disruption and peril.