Ban on flights over nuclear waste storage facilities: Safety on March 19, 2026 in Lubmin!

Ban on flights over nuclear waste storage facilities: Safety on March 19, 2026 in Lubmin!

The security situation around the German interim nuclear waste storage facilities will be significantly stricter from March 19, 2026. The federal government has decided on a no-fly zone over the central camps in Lubmin, Gorleben and Ahaus. This move follows an increased threat from drones, which have been increasingly spotted in connection with these sensitive locations in recent years. Like that NDR reports, the new regulation is intended to increase security at the storage locations.

The decision to impose a flight ban is based not only on the unauthorized sightings of drones over the EWN site in Lubmin, but also on a generational change in security perception. Interior Minister Christian Pegel emphasizes the important role of these measures in order to be able to contain threats at an early stage. This is also supported by the experiences with drone sightings in Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein, which have fueled the discussion about effective drone defense.

Details about the no-fly zone

This new no-fly zone has a diameter of 1.5 kilometers and extends to altitudes of over 600 meters. Currently, such a ban only applies to nuclear power plants, a regulation that was introduced after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Loud ND Current The ban will also apply to other nuclear facilities at the locations mentioned.

There was increased discussion about the North interim storage facility in Lubmin, which includes several blocks of the former GDR nuclear power plant. The operator, EWN GmbH, is satisfied with the new step as it restricts overflights and thus makes it easier to detect violations. The cost of building a new warehouse for Castor containers is estimated at around 220 million euros, while dismantling the existing warehouse could cost up to eleven billion euros.

Reactions and concerns

The Lüchow-Dannenberg environmental protection citizens' initiative welcomes the new measure, but calls for further safety precautions. Residents in Gorleben were able to see drones near the interim storage facilities in May, which increased the urgency of the discussion about a flight ban. Lower Saxony's Environment Minister Christian Meyer described the measure as a step in the right direction, but there are still no clear regulations on enforcement and responsibilities, which leave many questions unanswered.

In summary, this development shows that there are important changes in dealing with nuclear power and the associated risks. The discussion about drone sightings is not just a local matter, but also raises questions nationwide. Until the flight ban comes into force, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what further measures will be taken.