German Police Investigate Airport Fence Breach at Leipzig/Halle, North Runway Closed
German police are investigating a security incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport after a damaged perimeter fence was discovered late on Saturday night, October 17.
The damage was detected shortly before 11 p.m. local time at the airport in Schkeuditz, near Leipzig. Initial findings suggest that a vehicle may have broken through the fence, although investigators have not yet established exactly how the damage occurred.
The incident prompted a major police response, with federal police officers supported by state police searching the airport grounds to determine whether anyone had entered the restricted area without authorisation.
Police Find No Unauthorised People or Suspicious Objects
During the initial search, officers found no unauthorised individuals or suspicious objects on the airport premises, according to a police update issued on Sunday morning.
Authorities said further searches involving additional personnel were planned for later in the day as investigators continued checking the affected area.
Police have not publicly identified anyone suspected of being responsible for the damage. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
North Runway Closed as Precaution
The security response led to the closure of the airport’s north runway and the suspension of operations on the northern side.
However, the airport’s south runway remained operational. Airport officials said passenger and cargo traffic was not being restricted because aircraft could continue using the other runway.
Authorities have not announced any confirmed disruption to passenger services as a result of the incident.
Damaged Section Near Parked Cargo Aircraft
The damaged section of the fence is reportedly located near Russian Antonov cargo aircraft parked at the airport.
The aircraft have been grounded under European Union sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Investigators have not established any connection between the parked aircraft and the latest security incident.
Police are examining the circumstances of the breach and have not ruled out different explanations for the damage. No official conclusion about the motive or those responsible has been announced.
Investigation Continues
German police are continuing their investigation in coordination with federal authorities. Further searches are intended to establish whether anyone entered the restricted area and to clarify how the fence was damaged.
For now, authorities have reported no unauthorised individuals or suspicious objects found during the initial searches. The north runway remains closed while the investigation and security checks continue.