Drone With Explosive Device Found Near Antonov at Leipzig; DHL Plane Makes Emergency Landing After Midair Strike

Aug. 5 — German authorities discovered a drone carrying an explosive device in a secure cargo area at Leipzig/Halle Airport and separately reported that a DHL cargo plane struck an unidentified flying object and made an emergency landing in Hanover.

What Happened

An airport employee found the drone in a restricted cargo zone near the airport's southern runway. Bomb-disposal teams used a robot to remove the detonator from the device before further examination.

Officials said the drone had been observed in the vicinity of a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft. Germany is the largest national provider of military aid to Ukraine, and the proximity of the drone to the Antonov raised particular concern.

Operational Impact

The discovery prompted a temporary suspension of all flight operations at Leipzig/Halle at about midnight local time. Several flights — including at least one passenger service — were diverted to other airports, and the southern runway remained closed while authorities conducted safety checks.

Separate Midair Incident

In a separate incident, a DHL cargo plane that reportedly struck an unidentified flying object performed an emergency landing in Hanover. The aircraft sustained minor damage and no injuries were reported among crew or passengers.

Investigation and Context

Authorities have characterized the two events as separate incidents and not necessarily linked. The Central Office for Extremism in Saxony and German state prosecutors have opened an investigation into the explosive device discovery.

Germany has reported a pattern of unauthorized drone flights over airports, military sites and other sensitive locations across Europe. Berlin has said it suspects Russian involvement in a broader campaign of sabotage and espionage; Moscow has denied those allegations. Investigators are treating the events seriously while working to determine motive and origin.