Drone Sighting Halts Berlin Brandenburg Airport Flights for Nearly One Hour

On Wednesday evening, airport staff at Berlin Brandenburg (BER) spotted what appeared to be a drone near one of the runways. The sighting was quickly reported to airport security and local authorities. Given past incidents involving drones near airports, officials acted immediately out of caution. The priority was to minimize any risk to aircraft and passengers.

The incident began on the evening of September 23, 2026, when the drone was first seen in the vicinity of the runway. According to Deutsche Welle, airport authorities responded by suspending all flights, effectively closing the airspace over Berlin for both arrivals and departures. This decision was confirmed by both airport officials and the German federal police.

DER SPIEGEL reported that the suspension lasted for about three quarters of an hour, with no aircraft allowed to take off or land during this time. Around 9:00 PM local time, the all-clear was given and operations gradually resumed. The disruption led to delays for passengers and airlines, as flights were rescheduled and crews worked to clear the backlog.

Telegraaf noted that this was not the first time a drone had been spotted near Berlin's airport, highlighting an ongoing challenge for airport security. The incident drew swift attention from the German media, given the potential safety risks involved.

By the end of the evening, flights were operating again but with some ongoing delays. Airport authorities and police launched an investigation to determine who was responsible for flying the drone and how it was able to get so close to the runway.

As of Thursday morning, Berlin Brandenburg Airport is open and operating normally. Delays have mostly eased, though some passengers were affected by the initial disruption. Authorities have not yet identified the drone operator, and the investigation is ongoing. The incident has renewed calls for tougher enforcement and improved detection around airports to prevent future disruptions.

Investigators are still searching for the person responsible for the drone flight. Further details may emerge as the police review surveillance footage and other evidence. Airport officials may also announce new safety measures or policy changes in response to this incident.