MUNICH: Both runways at Munich airport were closed on Friday evening for the second time in less than 24 hours after drones were again sighted, leading to dozens of flights being diverted or canceled and stranding some 6,500 passengers, authorities said.
Early on Saturday morning, the airport said its scheduled 5 a.m. opening had been delayed due to drone sightings, advising passengers to contact their airlines.
“German air traffic control restricted flight operations at Munich Airport as a precautionary measure due to unconfirmed drone sightings and suspended them until further notice,” a statement on the airport website read.
In a later update, the airport said 23 flights were diverted, 12 flights to Munich and 48 departures canceled or postponed.
“As on the previous night, the airport and airlines took care of the passengers,” it added. “Camp beds, blankets, drinks and snacks were handed out.”
The previous evening, the captain on a London-bound aircraft whose departure was canceled told passengers that runways had been closed “because of drone sightings near the take-off and landing runways” and that police helicopters were aloft.
The airport website showed due arrivals had been diverted starting at 8.35 p.m. local time (1835 GMT).
Munich airport was closed for several hours late on Thursday and in the small hours after unconfirmed drone sightings that disrupted dozens of flights.
European aviation has repeatedly been thrown into chaos in recent weeks by drone sightings that some authorities have blamed on Russia. The Kremlin has denied any involvement.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt promised earlier on Friday to bring forward legislation making it easier for the police to ask the military to shoot drones down.
Munich runways closed again after drone sightings
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Munich runways closed again after drone sightings
- Dozens of flights, thousands of passengers affected
- Some flights still listed as canceled on Saturday morning
China and Spain sign agreements to strengthen cooperation
- China stands ready to work hand in hand with Spain to build a comprehensive strategic partnership
BEIJING: Spanish King Felipe VI and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed agreements on language exchanges and other areas Wednesday as both sides vowed to strengthen their cooperation.
The monarch’s visit comes as Spain, the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy, continues its courtship of China and Chinese investment while the relationship with the United States is strained under President Donald Trump. In April, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, head of the country’s government, made his third visit to China in as many years.
Spain is one of the more friendly countries to China relative to others in the European Union in recent years.
Felipe and Queen Letizia were met by Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan in front of Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, and were greeted with a performance by the military band and a 21-gun salute. This is the first state visit for the Spanish king to China, and he was also accompanied by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.
“China stands ready to work hand in hand with Spain to build a comprehensive strategic partnership that is more strategically steady, more dynamic in development, and more influential internationally,” said Xi in his opening remarks, particularly while the international situation is “complex and volatile.” He said that China would also import more Spanish products, without specifying, according to a readout of the meeting from the official Xinhua news.
Felipe and Xi signed agreements promoting cooperation in language exchanges, economic issues, and exporting aquatic products to China.
Felipe is also scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s top legislative body.
