According to the report, the drone, fitted with a detonator, was neutralized by a bomb disposal robot. A subsequent examination confirmed the presence of the detonator, but it was found to be faulty, preventing an explosion. Der Spiegel, citing its own sources, reported that the drone was indeed carrying an explosive device. According to the magazine, four Ukrainian cargo aircraft were parked nearby.
Photos from the scene published by Bild show police, firefighters and other emergency personnel near a Ukrainian aircraft bearing the registration UR-82072, an Antonov An-124-100 Ruslan.
After the drone was detected, the airport activated an alarm, immediately suspended flight operations and diverted aircraft.
One DHL cargo plane was forced to delay its landing and make an additional holding pattern. According to Bild, shortly afterward, about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the airport at an altitude of about 400 meters (1,300 feet), it collided with an unidentified object. The aircraft landed safely in Hanover, where minor damage to its nose section was discovered.
Bild reported that the object may have been a drone because the airport's detection system tracked two drones overnight. The newspaper said both DHL pilots later confirmed the encounter.
Police in Lower Saxony classified the incident as a crime against state security. Authorities have not ruled out sabotage. The search for the drone's operator has so far been unsuccessful, the report said.
Investigators continued their work at the airport on the morning of Aug. 5. Police said flight operations were continuing without disruption and there was no danger to the public.
Since 2022, Leipzig/Halle Airport has served as the base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines after the destruction of its home airfield in Hostomel. The airline relocated at least five An-124 Ruslan cargo aircraft, along with equipment and personnel, to Germany.