air-cargo

Security Incident at Leipzig Airport Forces Runway Closure, DHL Aircraft Damaged

Leipzig Airport experienced a significant security event after an airport employee discovered a drone equipped with an explosive device in the cargo operations zone near the south runway. Federal Police and explosive ordnance disposal teams responded and removed the detonator from the device. The discovery prompted temporary runway closures. During the shutdown, a DHL freighter conducting a go-around collided with an unidentified flying object after the runway closure. The aircraft sustained minor damage before landing safely in Hanover. A second drone was spotted near an Antonov aircraft. Authorities cleared the north runway for operations around 2 a.m. The south runway remained closed due to scheduled maintenance. Saxony's interior minister called the incidents a serious security event. The Central Office for Extremism in Saxony and the State Criminal Police Office's Counter-Terrorism and Extremism Center are investigating.