Berlin Brandenburg Airport implements new drone detection system

The Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS) has implemented a new drone detection system at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to identify unmanned aircraft in takeoff and landing zones. This measure follows a rise in drone sightings at German airports; BER recorded 28 sightings in the first half of 2026, leading to seven temporary flight disruptions.

Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger stated that the system is a vital step for aviation security, noting that the government intends to equip more international airports with similar technology throughout the year. Brandenburg Transport Minister Robert Crumbach added that while not every drone poses a threat, early and reliable information is essential for rapid response.

In separate incidents, a 29-year-old man was investigated for dangerous interference with air traffic after his private drone caused a ten-minute stoppage at Düsseldorf Airport. Other recent security concerns include a drone sighting at BER that halted operations for 45 minutes and the discovery of a drone equipped with explosives at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August.