German airport halts flights after explosive drone found near Ukrainian cargo plane

German security authorities remain on high alert following the discovery of an explosive-laden drone near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Operations at the facility were briefly halted overnight on August 5 after the unmanned aerial vehicle was spotted close to a runway where a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 aircraft was stationed.

According to a NATO spokesperson, security personnel secured the drone near the aircraft, while German law enforcement launched an investigation. Authorities examined a suspicious device attached to the drone, which reports indicate contained explosive material and a faulty detonator. The temporary closure forced several incoming passenger and cargo flights to divert. German airports have heightened security measures following multiple recent unauthorized drone incursions into restricted airspace.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, Economedia, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă