Munich Airport has been closed for the second time in less than 24 hours due to new suspected drone sightings. This closure follows a series of mysterious drone overflights that have occurred over airports and critical infrastructure in several European Union countries.

The airport initially suspended flight operations on Friday night as a precautionary measure after unconfirmed drone sightings were reported. Earlier, on Thursday night, Germany's air traffic control had already restricted flights at the airport before halting them entirely. As a result, 17 flights were unable to take off, impacting nearly 3,000 passengers. Additionally, 15 incoming flights were diverted to three other airports in Germany and one in Vienna, Austria.

Flight operations resumed early Friday morning, according to Stefan Bayer, a spokesperson for Germany's federal police at Munich Airport. The recent incidents are part of a broader pattern of drone sightings across Europe, including reports of drones flying over a military base in Belgium and a previous incident in Oslo, Norway, which affected flights there last month.

European authorities have raised concerns that these drone activities may be linked to Russia, although some experts suggest that the perpetrators could be anyone with access to drones. Russian officials have denied any involvement in these incidents, including those reported in Denmark.

Munich Airport confirmed multiple drone sightings in a statement released early Friday. The airport clarified that the responsibility for detecting and defending against drones lies with federal and state police. Following the runway closure, federal police deployed helicopters and other resources to locate the drones, but no evidence of their presence was found, Bayer stated.

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded overnight, with some sleeping on beds set up in terminals while others were accommodated in hotels. Airport staff provided blankets, drinks, and snacks to those affected.

In response to the ongoing drone threats, Alexander Dobrindt, Germany's interior minister, announced plans to discuss the situation with European counterparts at a meeting in Munich this weekend. He emphasized the need for a "drone detection and defense plan," stating, "We are in a race between drone threat and drone defense. We want to and must win this race." Dobrindt made these comments while attending a ceremony in Saarbrücken to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Germany's reunification, alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron.