In brief
Germany's Munich airport was temporarily closed after multiple drones were spotted nearby, resulting in the cancellation of at least 17 flights and the diversion of an additional 15. The disruptions affected roughly 3,000 passengers during a busy travel period coinciding with the annual Oktoberfest. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Germany's Munich airport has cancelled more than a dozen flights after drones were seen close to its airspace.
At least 17 flights were grounded in Munich, affecting nearly 3,000 passengers.
Munich airport said it diverted a further 15 flights to nearby cities.
There was no immediate confirmation of where the drones had come from. Several airports across Europe have closed down in recent weeks because of unidentified drones.
The airport alerted authorities after the drones were detected.
Flights out of Munich airport have been suspended, the airport said.
Air traffic control redirected flights that were due to land in Munich to Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Frankfurt.
Because it was dark, no information on the type, size or origins of the drones was confirmed, Federal Police spokesperson Stefan Bayer told the Bild Newspaper. The drones were first seen at 21:30 local time (19:30 GMT), and then again an hour later, police said.
Thousands of passengers were stranded at Munich airport overnight.
Camp beds were set up, and blankets, drinks, and snacks were provided, the airport said.
The city is currently hosting the annual Oktoberfest festival, which is due to end on 5 October. The festival attracts more than six million people a year, according to the official website.
