German Air Navigation Service, Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), has recorded a sharp rise in drone-related airspace violations this year, according to a report by Welt. Between January and April 2025, a total of 108 incidents involving unmanned aerial systems were reported to the DFS, more than double the 47 cases logged during the same period the previous year.
The vast majority of incidents occurred in the vicinity of airports, where 100 of the 108 reported disruptions took place. These were recorded primarily by pilots who spotted the unauthorised drones during approach or departure. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) recorded the highest number of drone-related incidents, with 25 cases reported. Bremen followed with 22 incidents, and Frankfurt ranked third with 15.
Drone incursions near airports can force temporary airspace closures, grounding flights and triggering significant financial losses for airlines and airport operators. The aviation industry is now calling on authorities to respond with faster and more effective countermeasures.
A spokesperson for the Lufthansa Group told Welt that airports, as part of critical national infrastructure, require dependable protection. The spokesperson called for clearly defined responsibilities among security agencies and urged the rapid procurement and deployment of detection and defence technology capable of neutralising drone threats.
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