Second unidentified flying object struck by aircraft diverting to Hanover during runway closure.
Germany’s Saxony state criminal and judicial authorities are appealing for information after a drone carrying an explosive device was discovered in the cargo flight operations zone of Leipzig-Halle airport.
Leipzig-Halle is the country’s second-largest cargo airport, according to its operator.
The Dresden public prosecutor’s office says the drone was discovered by an airport employee overnight on 4-5 August.
It was located in the secure area for cargo flight operations, near the southern runway, designated 08R/26L.
“With the support of the federal police, and a bomb-disposal robot, the object was examined,” says the prosecutor’s office.
It says the detonator was removed by the police’s improvised explosive device division.
The prosecutor’s office adds that a second “unidentified” flying object collided with a cargo aircraft which was executing a missed approach owing to the runway’s being closed.
It diverted to Hanover and “minor damage” was discovered on the aircraft upon arrival.
At least two DHL freighter flights on final approach were diverted: a Boeing 757-200 flew to Hanover while an Airbus A300-600 went to Cologne.
While Leipzig-Halle is a hub for DHL, it also serves as a station for Antonov Airlines, the Ukrainian freight operator, which uses An-124 transports.
This is particularly significant in the context of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
“Flight operations were initially completely suspended overnight after the drone was detected,” says the prosecutor’s office.
Although the north runway, 08L/26R, was re-opened the south runway remained closed “for maintenance”, it adds.
“There is no danger to the life or health of passengers or airport staff,” the office states. “Passenger air traffic is not affected.”
Saxony’s state criminal police office has established a hotline and online portal for submitting tips and information – about people, vehicles, or vehicle movements – from witnesses who were in the vicinity.
The post German police appeal after explosive drone found at Leipzig airport cargo zone first appeared on FlightGlobal.