Germany Closes Nuremberg Airport During Emergency Escort

German authorities temporarily shut down Nuremberg Airport in southern Germany on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, and scrambled fighter jets to escort a passenger aircraft arriving from the Greek island of Corfu after concerns about an in-flight emergency, according to the German news agency dpa. Police cordoned off the airport and opened an investigation before the commercial aircraft landed safely. Authorities subsequently issued an all-clear, dpa reported, allowing the immediate security response to end.

An airport spokesperson said the incident disrupted scheduled operations, delaying six flights and diverting two incoming flights to other airports as a precaution. Authorities had not immediately disclosed details of the emergency call that prompted the response.

Earlier on Tuesday, authorities had also noted a possible drone sighting at the airport. The available information did not establish whether the reported sighting was connected to the aircraft emergency.

German authorities have faced heightened concerns over aviation security amid a broader increase in reported drone incidents across Europe. Officials have stepped up aerial surveillance in recent weeks as governments examine potential security threats while Russia's war in Ukraine continues. The German government last month accused Russia of involvement in an attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August involving a drone carrying explosives. Berlin also announced the closure of a Russian consulate among other measures in response to the alleged incident.

Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Berlin's allegations. Western officials have also widely accused Moscow of conducting sabotage and disruption campaigns intended to weaken support for Ukraine and destabilize European countries.