Leipzig/Halle airport fence breach triggers police search; flights keep running

Police in Germany are investigating a security incident at Leipzig/Halle airport after a section of the airport fence was found breached late on Saturday evening. The damaged barrier lies close to three Russian Antonov cargo planes that have been grounded at the airport since 2022.

Key facts

• Damage to the fence was discovered late on 17 October 2026
• The breach was near three Russian Antonov cargo planes grounded at the airport since 2022
• Police say a vehicle crashing through the barrier is the most likely cause
• Searches found no unauthorised people on the premises
• Air traffic was unaffected, with one of two runways closed

What happened?

A police spokesman told the DPA news agency on Sunday that the damage was most likely caused by a vehicle crashing through the barrier. The damaged section was close to three Russian Antonov cargo planes that have been grounded at Leipzig/Halle airport since 2022, because of EU sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

Police said they had searched the site but did not find any unauthorised people on the premises. Search measures were set to continue throughout the day, the spokesman said.

Are flights affected?

According to an airport spokesman, air traffic had been unaffected by the police operation. Only one of the airport's two available runways had been closed.

What happened before at this airport?

Leipzig/Halle airport made the news in August, when an explosives-laden drone was found near Ukrainian cargo planes at the facility. German officials blamed that incident on Russia, which has denied involvement.

What this means for travellers

The airport has said flights are operating normally despite the police operation, although one of two runways remains closed while searches continue. Passengers travelling through Leipzig/Halle should follow any instructions from airport staff and check their flight status before leaving for the airport.

Police said search measures were continuing through the day. No further details on the cause of the breach or on any suspects have been released.