Explosive drone intercepted at Leipzig/Halle Airport, runways briefly closed

Police at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport found a drone near the south runway that contained an unknown explosive device, and they removed its detonator, authorities said on Wednesday. The discovery prompted the closure of both runways and the diversion of several flights, including a passenger aircraft, shortly before midnight. An anti-explosives robot was deployed to examine the object, and the north runway was reopened after about two hours, while the south runway remained closed for scheduled maintenance.

A second unidentified flying object collided with a freight plane that had aborted its landing because of the runway closure. The aircraft was able to fly to Hannover Airport, where officials reported only minor damage.

The airport, a major cargo hub that hosts Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft, experienced no injuries and officials said there was no danger to passengers or staff. NATO confirmed awareness of the incident but deferred further comment to German authorities.

German Interior Ministry spokesperson Leonard Kaminski said there is no current evidence linking the drone incident to a recent incendiary device attack at the same airport that security officials suspect was tied to Russian intelligence.