"Air Defender": Operations at Saxony's airports continue as normal

At Saxony's airports, the air force exercise "Air Defender 2023" has so far had no consequences for passengers. So far, there have been no restrictions at Leipzig/Halle and Dresden airports, said a spokesman for Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG. In an initial assessment, German air traffic control expects "minimal impact" from "Air Defender" on civil air traffic in this country.

The "Air Defender 2023" maneuver, which began this Monday, is the largest air force exercise since NATO came into existence. Until June 23, 25 nations as well as NATO are participating in the exercise under German leadership. According to the Bundeswehr, about 10,000 soldiers and 250 aircraft are involved.

The inspector of the air force, Ingo Gerhartz, did not expect major restrictions for civilian air traffic in advance. The air traffic controllers' union GdF, on the other hand, feared massive repercussions. "If anything, there could be minor delays in takeoffs and landings in Saxony," said the spokesman for Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG.