Unauthorized drone activity around commercial airports in Germany caused significant disruption to flight operations in 2025, with economic losses estimated at between €60 million and €160 million, according to a new analysis by the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
The study examined data from the German Federal Aviation Authority, which recorded 226 drone incidents during the year. Researchers identified 116 relevant cases affecting 25 commercial airports, with large international hubs accounting for around 70 percent of approximately 200 drone-related flight diversions.
According to DLR, larger airports are generally able to limit disruption by closing individual runways, while regional airports often lack the infrastructure capacity to maintain operations and are forced to suspend flights entirely during incidents.
Airlines and airports face mounting costs
The report found that airlines incurred additional costs from fuel consumption during holding patterns, diversions and passenger care. Airport operators also suffered losses from reduced fees and declines in non-aeronautical revenue streams such as retail, food services and parking.
Dr. Florian Linke, Acting Director of the DLR Institute of Air Traffic, warned that the financial impact can escalate rapidly when disruption exceeds the system’s available buffer capacity.
“Even brief disruptions trigger significant knock-on effects in the highly interconnected air traffic system. Especially in the case of prolonged incidents or repeated disruptions, the economic impact increases significantly once systemic buffer capacities are exhausted. In these cases, costs rise dynamically and erratically. On individual flights, fuel reserves may also fall below safety-critical levels. The results can also serve as a basis for cost-benefit analyses, for example to evaluate investments in drone detection and defense systems,” said Linke.
The study noted that in extreme cases, prolonged delays can result in aircraft fuel reserves approaching safety-critical levels.
Detection and counter-drone technologies under development
In response to the growing threat, DLR is accelerating work on drone detection and mitigation technologies. Under the leadership of its Institute of Flight Systems, the organization is conducting research and testing at the National Test Center for Unmanned Aerial Systems in Cochstedt.
According to DLR, the aim is to improve the resilience of the air traffic system against an increasing variety of drone threats.
The findings also highlight the growing importance of the counter-UAS market and the need for highly reliable systems capable of operating effectively within the complex and heavily regulated airport environment.
The report further emphasized the importance of cooperation between drone manufacturers, regulators and airport operators, while suggesting the findings could support future cost-benefit analyses related to investments in drone detection and counter-drone infrastructure.
With unauthorized drone activity continuing to affect civil aviation, the study provides additional evidence of the financial and operational impact such incidents can have on airports and airlines, as well as the potential value of investing in airspace security capabilities.
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Post Image Credit: Munich Airport
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