Drone Sighting Halts Operations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport
Berlin, September 24 – Flight operations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) were temporarily halted for 45 minutes on Wednesday evening following a drone sighting. The incident, which occurred around 8:00 PM, caused significant disruptions, leading to flight delays and diversions for passengers.
According to the Federal Police, airport staff reported seeing a drone at 8:00 PM. Subsequently, the German Air Traffic Control (DFS) initially closed the north runway for take-offs and landings, followed by the south runway at 8:20 PM. All flight operations were suspended until 9:05 PM, when the closure was lifted.
Despite an immediate search by the Federal Police, no drone was found. “We could not make any findings,” a spokesperson for the security authority stated. The background of the incident remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
Increased Drone Activity at BER
This latest incident is part of a growing trend of drone sightings at BER. In the first half of 2026, the airport recorded 28 drone sightings, making it the highest number among all German airports. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the entire year of 2025, when only eight drone sightings were reported at BER and its surrounding area.
Nationwide, the German Air Traffic Control (DFS) registered 166 incidents of drone-related air traffic disruptions in the first half of 2026, a notable rise from the 101 cases recorded in the first half of 2025. BER led this statistic, followed by Frankfurt am Main with 27 cases.
One possible reason for the increased number of reported sightings at BER is the installation of a new drone detection system by the Federal Police. This system is capable of registering flying objects over a wider radius, potentially leading to more frequent detections.
Previous Incidents and Security Concerns
The incident at BER follows a series of similar occurrences across Germany. In August, a drone equipped with explosives was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport, found among Ukrainian cargo planes. The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating this case on suspicion of attempted explosive detonation, with the German government attributing the attack to Russia, a claim denied by Moscow.
Such incidents highlight growing concerns about the security implications of unauthorized drone activity near critical infrastructure, particularly airports. The ongoing investigations aim to identify the operators of these drones and assess potential threats to air safety and national security.
Authorities continue to emphasize the dangers posed by unauthorized drones to air traffic. Pilots are trained to report such sightings immediately, leading to swift responses from air traffic control and security personnel to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The Federal Police and airport authorities urge the public to report any suspicious drone activity near airports to prevent further disruptions and potential hazards.
