According to the German news agency (DPA), two unexpected incidents occurred at Nuremberg Airport in Germany, resulting in a temporary closure of the airport.
In the early hours of that day, an unmanned aircraft was suspected to have been spotted near the airport. The police reported that three pilots reported seeing an unknown object during takeoff or landing, and it was speculated that the object might be an unmanned aircraft.
The Border Police station at Nuremberg Airport immediately coordinated with the airport and the German air traffic control authorities to launch a search and detection operation. The police also deployed a helicopter to participate in the search, but ultimately failed to locate the drone.
During the search operation, the operation of airport flights was temporarily affected. A spokesperson for the airport stated that there were 6 delays, including 2 inbound flights and 4 outgoing flights.
Additionally, two other arriving passenger planes were diverted to Cologne, Germany, and Prague, Czech Republic, for precautionary reasons. However, both planes were able to continue their flight to Nuremberg.
Around noon, due to concerns about an emergency involving a passenger aircraft from Greece during flight, Nuremberg Airport was briefly closed, and the German side urgently deployed fighter jets to provide escort for the aircraft.
According to reports, German police blocked the Nuremberg Airport in southern Germany and launched an investigation. Subsequently, the commercial airliner, which took off from Corfu Island in Greece, landed safely, and the relevant authorities announced the end of the alert.
Regarding the details of the emergency distress signal, there is still no clarity at present.
In recent weeks, as more and more unexplained drone incidents have occurred across Europe, and with Russia continuing its war against Ukraine, there is concern that Russia may carry out sabotage activities. As a result, European authorities have increased their monitoring of airspace.
Last month, the German government accused Russia of using a drone carrying explosives in August this year to attempt to attack Leipzig/Halle Airport. It also announced a series of measures, including the closure of a Russian consulate.
Russian President Putin denied the accusations made in Berlin.
