Unauthorized persons gained access to the airside area of Cologne/Bonn Airport at around 5.30 a.m. this morning. They got stuck on taxiways at the intersection of the main runway and the crosswind runway. Flight operations were interrupted due to the police operation. Federal and state police were deployed, as well as airport security and the fire department. Flight operations were resumed at around 9 a.m. after the measures were completed.
Due to the unauthorized access to the site, there were major disruptions to flight operations. 31 flights (15 take-offs, 16 landings) could not take place (as of 13:45), six had to be diverted. There were also delays. Disruptions are also to be expected for the rest of the day. The airport was expecting almost 38,000 passengers on Wednesday.
Travelers are asked to check their flight status with their airline or tour operator. The situation in the terminals was calm and orderly at all times. The airport made announcements in the buildings as well as on its website and social media channels about the operation.
"Unlawful access to the airside area of the airport is absolutely unacceptable and poses a threat to flight operations. Thousands of travelers were affected by the disruption, many of whom were due to take off on their summer vacation today. Ambulance flights take place at the airport, and the flight service of the Federal Ministry of Defense and rescue helicopters are also stationed in Cologne/Bonn,” said Thilo Schmid, CEO of Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH.
The reporting chains between the airport operator and the responsible security authorities worked so that police measures could be initiated immediately and the unauthorized persons could be located without delay.
The airport very much regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers as a result of the interruption to flight operations. The airport company reserves the right to assert claims for damages.
