A vehicle breached a security fence at Leipzig/Halle Airport during an incident that triggered a major police operation and temporarily closed the northern runway. Two men, aged 20 and 32, later contacted police through their lawyers, reportedly explaining that they had been practising for a driving test when they lost control of the car. Passenger and cargo operations continued using the airport’s southern runway.
Airport security discovered the damaged fence shortly before 23:00 on Saturday, 17 October, during a routine patrol. The section is alongside Polygraphstraße, a publicly accessible road leading to an emergency access route for external responders. The fence, rather than the emergency gate, was damaged.
Police searched the airport several times, including with a helicopter and drones, but found no unauthorised people or suspicious objects. The suspected vehicle was initially absent from the scene. The northern runway reopened at about 14:00 on Sunday after being closed during the operation.
The 20-year-old is suspected of driving without a valid licence and leaving the scene of an accident. Investigators are also examining whether the 32-year-old permitted unlicensed driving. The men’s account remains part of an ongoing investigation into the sequence of events, their respective involvement and any possible motive.
Airport spokesman Uwe Schuhart described the fence as compliant with national and international requirements and subject to regular official inspections.