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Drone stops BER airport: flight operations stopped for two hours!
Flight operations at BER interrupted due to drone sightings on November 1, 2025. Police are investigating, security measures demanded.
Drone stops BER airport: flight operations stopped for two hours!
On Friday evening, November 1, 2025, flight operations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) were interrupted for around two hours due to a drone sighting. The closure began around 8 p.m. and ended just before 10 p.m. This wasn't just a minor incident - several aircraft had to divert to other airports. Among other things, four planes landed in Dresden, four in Leipzig and three in Hamburg tagesschau.de reported. Flights from popular cities such as Stockholm, Antalya and Helsinki were particularly affected.
The situation was triggered by a report from an alert witness who informed the police. A police helicopter was quickly deployed, but the patrol officers were no longer able to locate the drone. This incident highlights a growing problem: the number of drone sightings near airports has increased. This year alone, BER has already recorded five incidents in the area, while 20 incidents were recorded last year and over 15 incidents in 2023. Berlin's Interior Senator Iris Spranger then called for better drone defense.
Regulations and exceptions
Drones are banned within a 1.5 kilometer radius of airports because they can endanger air traffic. Despite this regulation, the airport received special permission on Saturday morning for take-offs and landings until 1 a.m., which is normally not allowed due to the ban on night flights. However, regular operations at BER were able to continue on Saturday without any disruptions.
During the incident, the airport warned of possible flight delays on Platform X and advised travelers to check their flight status with the airlines. This proactive communication shows how important it is to disseminate information quickly so as not to leave travelers unnecessarily uncertain.
The future of airport security
How the security situation will develop in the future remains to be seen. With the onset of darkness and increasing drone sightings, the question arises as to how airports like BER can be better prepared against such incidents. Investigations into the identity of the drone pilot are currently underway to determine who was responsible for this incident.
The incidents at BER make it clear that flight safety must always have the highest priority. The increasing use of drones makes it necessary to develop clear regulations and effective safety measures in order not to endanger aviation. Remember to keep an eye on developments around this topic, as the discussion about security strategies could also have an impact on other airports.