Berlin Brandenburg Airport Suspends Operations Following Drone Sighting

Flight Operations Halted

Flight operations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) were temporarily suspended on March 12, 2026, following the sighting of an unidentified drone in the vicinity of the airport. The suspension, which lasted for approximately 30 minutes, was implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers.

Security Response and Investigation

Upon the sighting of the unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), airport authorities immediately alerted the German Federal Police. The airspace around the airport was cleared to mitigate any potential collision risks. A spokesperson for the airport confirmed that standard security protocols were activated, stating, 'The safety of our passengers and flight operations is our top priority, which necessitated the brief pause in activity.'

Impact on Air Traffic

The 30-minute suspension resulted in minor disruptions to the airport's schedule, including:

• Temporary holding patterns for incoming aircraft
• Delayed departures for several scheduled flights
• Minor congestion as operations resumed

By the time the suspension was lifted, airport officials reported that normal operations were gradually being restored. Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage and conducting an investigation to identify the operator of the drone. Under German aviation law, flying drones near airports is strictly prohibited and carries significant legal penalties.

Ongoing Security Concerns

This incident highlights the persistent challenge that unauthorized drone activity poses to major international airports. Aviation security experts continue to emphasize the dangers posed by such devices, noting that even small drones can cause significant damage if they collide with an aircraft. The investigation into the identity and origin of the drone remains ongoing.