LEIPZIG, Germany—German federal prosecutors are investigating what authorities described as a serious attack on critical transport infrastructure after an explosive-laden drone was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport, with a lawmaker saying a bus driver prevented a potentially more dangerous outcome by kicking the device away from parked aircraft.
The drone, found late on Tuesday near cargo aircraft at the eastern German airport, was fitted with professional-grade explosives and a detonator, according to the federal prosecutor's office, which has taken over the investigation from regional authorities because of the case's significance for national security. Prosecutors said they were investigating suspected membership of a terrorist organization and other serious offenses but had not publicly identified any suspects.
Senior lawmaker Detlef Seif, who was briefed on the incident, said the airport bus driver noticed the drone and knocked it out of the air with a kick before it could reach its apparent destination. German authorities praised the driver's actions but stressed that members of the public should not attempt to confront suspected explosive devices themselves and should instead alert emergency services.
The incident prompted a major security response at Leipzig/Halle Airport, one of Europe's busiest cargo hubs and an important logistics center used by DHL and by Ukraine's Antonov cargo fleet. Authorities temporarily restricted operations while bomb disposal specialists secured the scene.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the case as representing "a new level of danger" and said investigators were examining whether the incident formed part of a broader hybrid threat against German infrastructure. Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened Germany's security council to discuss the case, reflecting growing concern over attacks targeting transport and logistics facilities.
Officials have not publicly attributed responsibility for the incident. German authorities have previously accused Russia of carrying out hybrid operations, including sabotage and espionage, against targets in Europe, allegations Moscow has repeatedly denied. Investigators have not announced any confirmed link between the airport incident and any foreign state or organization.
The federal prosecutor's office said the investigation remains at an early stage and declined to provide further operational details. Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no additional explosive devices have been reported in connection with the incident.
