Police seize drone near Ukrainian aircraft at German airport

A drone detected near a Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft at Germany's Leipzig airport was fitted with an explosive device and a detonator, security sources said on Wednesday, after the discovery disrupted overnight flight operations, reported dpa.

The drone was spotted shortly before midnight and later secured by police. It has since been examined using X-ray equipment, the sources told dpa.

A NATO official confirmed the drone sighting, saying: "We are aware of the incident, which the German authorities continue to investigate."

Earlier, police had said only that several aircraft, including a passenger plane, were diverted after an unidentified flying object was reported near Leipzig/Halle Airport and a suspicious item was found near the southern runway.

Operations in the airport's northern section resumed shortly before 2 am (0000 GMT) on Wednesday, while the southern runway was still closed as investigations continue.

Local police have launched an investigation in cooperation with Germany's federal police.