Aircraft Grounded: Leipzig/Halle Airport Disrupted Due to Drone Operation
On Wednesday evening, Leipzig/Halle Airport experienced significant disruptions due to drone sightings. The incidents, which occurred in various areas of the airport, led to a temporary suspension of flights and the redirection of air traffic to the southern side.
According to reports, one of the drones was spotted over the airport's secure area, which is in violation of the minimum 1.5-kilometer distance rule from the security fence. This rule, which applies to all drone launches within the immediate vicinity of an airport, specifies that drones must maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 kilometers from the airport's security fence to ensure safety and avoid disruptions.
Upon a third sighting in the southern area, air traffic was grounded for another hour. The drones that prompted these disruptions were likely too close to the security fence, potentially putting air traffic at risk.
In Germany, regulations for flying drones near airports are clear. Drones are not allowed within a specific distance from airports, with some sources indicating a requirement to maintain at least 8 kilometers distance from airports/heliports. Violating these regulations can result in serious penalties, including steep fines, confiscation of equipment, and even criminal charges in extreme cases.
Operators of drones weighing over 250 grams must register with the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) and obtain an electronic identification number (e-ID). This implies that unauthorized drone operations near airports could also involve penalties for lack of registration.
Incidents like the one at Frankfurt Airport, where drone sightings led to flight diversions, highlight the importance of adhering to these regulations. Investigations are currently underway for suspected dangerous interference with air traffic at Leipzig/Halle Airport, and it is hoped that the perpetrator will be identified and held accountable for their actions.
[1] German Drone Regulations [2] German Drones Law [3] Frankfurt Airport Drone Incident
- The drones spotted at Leipzig/Halle Airport, which led to flight disruptions, were possibly violating the regulations for flying drones near airports in Germany, where drones are not allowed within a specific distance and operators of heavier drones must be registered.
- Violating drone regulations near airports can result in severe consequences in Germany, including fines, equipment confiscation, and even criminal charges; moreover, incidents like the one at Frankfurt Airport underline the necessity of adhering to these rules.
