Drone Disruption Halts Berlin Airport Flights for Two Hours
Flight operations at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport (BER) faced significant disruption for approximately two hours on a recent Friday evening due to a drone sighting. The incident, which occurred around 8 PM local time, prompted immediate action from airport and police authorities.
Details of the Drone Disruption
A witness first reported the drone, leading to the deployment of several emergency vehicles, including a police helicopter, to investigate the sighting. The northern runway was closed during this time, and authorities confirmed the sighting through a patrol car crew. The trail of the drone, however, quickly disappeared, complicating the search.
Impact on Flights
As a result of the drone sighting, all flight operations at BER were suspended from 8 PM until just before 10 PM. This suspension forced several arriving flights to divert to alternate airports:
- Four flights landed in Dresden
- Four flights were redirected to Leipzig
- Three flights arrived in Hamburg
The diverted flights primarily originated from popular destinations including Stockholm, Antalya, and Helsinki. To manage the backlog, BER received special authorization to allow take-offs until approximately 1 AM and landings until 4 AM, despite a typical night flight ban from midnight to 5 AM.
Response and Consequences
According to a spokesperson, operations resumed normally the next day, with no further restrictions for travelers. However, the incident raised significant concerns about safety. Ralph Beisel, Managing Director of the airport association ADV, labeled the disruption a “wake-up call in terms of security policy.” He emphasized the need for improved drone detection and defense systems, stating that these responsibilities lie with the state.
Growing Concerns Over Drone Incidents
This incident is not an isolated case; drone sightings have become increasingly common at German airports. In 2023 alone, Berlin Airport recorded five similar disruptions, with over fifteen reported in 2022. Nationwide, German Air Traffic Control (DFS) has documented a total of 144 drone-related incidents this year, including several near Frankfurt Airport.
Many drone sightings occur around airports and military installations. It remains unclear how many incidents are linked to espionage activities, but the majority are reported by pilots or air traffic control officers. DFS confirms that about 90% of drone incidents happen near major airports.
Government Initiatives for Enhanced Safety
In response to these ongoing issues, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans to expedite the development of drone defense strategies. There is an emphasis on combining efforts between federal and state agencies to better address the threat posed by drones.
As air travel evolves, the need for robust safety measures against drone disruptions becomes increasingly critical for maintaining passenger confidence in air traffic security.
