tech
Costs for German aviation due to airport disruptions caused by UAVs amounted to about €160 million for the year
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) calculated that in 2025, German airports were completely or partially closed 116 times due to drone flights, with at least 226 drone sightings in total for the year. The estimated losses for air traffic amounted to about €60 million, and when associated costs are considered, the damage increases to €160 million.
TL;DR
- German airports experienced 116 drone-related closures in 2025, with 226 total sightings.
- Estimated financial losses for air traffic reached €60 million, rising to €160 million with associated costs.
- The number of incidents in 2025 was comparable to 2024's 118 incidents, but with more significant flight disruptions.
- A 2020 incident at Munich airport caused two days of closures, 81 cancellations, 46 postponements, and affected 10,000 passengers.
- The drones involved in the 2020 Munich incident were not identified.