A suspected drone sighting triggered repeated shutdowns at Germany’s Munich Airport, disrupting flights and stranding thousands of passengers. Authorities suspended operations twice within 24 hours “as a precautionary measure due to unconfirmed sightings,” according to reports. The incidents added to growing concerns across Europe about drones threatening aviation safety and infrastructure.

The disruptions followed a similar pattern earlier in the week, when flights were halted Thursday night after drone reports, forcing hundreds of travelers to remain overnight at terminals. While operations briefly resumed Friday morning, renewed sightings led to another shutdown, underscoring the escalating risks posed by unauthorized aerial activity. Over 2,000 passengers were affected as 17 flights were grounded and 15 diverted to airports in Germany and Austria.

The situation reflects a broader trend across the continent, with drones reported near military bases in Belgium, airports in Norway and Denmark, and within NATO member Poland. In some cases, these incursions have prompted fighter jet responses, raising alarms about potential security threats. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans to address the issue during an upcoming meeting, focusing on “drone detection and defense.”

Munich Airport deployed laser technology to monitor and track drones near restricted airspace. A German newspaper cited anonymous security sources describing the system’s ability to measure a drone’s distance from the airport. However, officials with Germany’s Federal Police did not confirm the details by publication time.

The latest closures followed sightings on October 2, when drones were reported in areas surrounding Munich Airport, including towns of Freising and Erding. The incidents occurred near the airport fence and later around the facility itself, according to an airport statement.