Drone with explosive device found near Ukrainian plane at Leipzig airport

German authorities discovered a drone fitted with an unidentified explosive device at Leipzig airport in eastern Germany early Wednesday morning, triggering temporary suspension of flight operations and prompting a major security response. An airport employee found the device in a restricted cargo area near the southern runway, close to a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 transport aircraft. Federal police examined the drone using a bomb disposal robot and removed its detonator. Authorities stated there was no immediate danger to passengers or airport employees.

The discovery led to flight diversions and temporary runway closures. The northern runway reopened later that night following inspection, while the southern runway remained closed. Several aircraft, including a passenger plane, were diverted to other airports. A second unidentified flying object subsequently collided with a cargo plane that was aborting its landing due to the runway closure; the aircraft sustained minor damage but landed safely in Hanover.

The Dresden Public Prosecutor General's Office and Saxony State Criminal Police Office took over the investigation, noting that Leipzig airport is classified as part of Germany's critical infrastructure. A NATO spokesperson confirmed that a drone had been found near the Ukrainian aircraft and that German authorities were leading the investigation. The incident reflects broader German security concerns; the country has been on heightened alert in recent months following multiple unauthorized drone incidents near airports, military sites, and other sensitive infrastructure.