Monday 10 / February / 2025
Frankfurt [Germany]: A massive NATO exercise that kicked off on Monday is set to cause major disruptions to passenger flights in Germany, raising concerns from air travelers and protesters as well.
Jens Bischof, chief of Lufthansa Group's low-cost airline Eurowings, said he was concerned about the fallout of the exercise, which had led to the closure and heavy restriction of a large swath of German airspace.
The military drill, known as "Air Defender 23", is the biggest ever NATO air force deployment exercise involving 10,000 military personnel and 250 combat aircraft from 25 nations including the United States. It will last until June 23.
The two-week drill will be carried out mainly in German airspace. The consequent impact includes possible delays of flights, prolonged flight time and cancellations at a busy time of year.
Up to 800 flights will have to be rerouted, and around 40 percent will have to fly 110 kms longer, according to estimates by the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol).
Hamburg Airport has told local media that it is impossible to know exactly which individual flights will be affected, due to the unprecedented nature of the ongoing exercises. Stuttgart Airport also put out a similar message on social media. Both suggested passengers to closely monitor the status of their flights.
The screenshot shows Stuttgart Airport's post on Twitter, saying: "The military maneuver 'Air Defender' begins today and will last until June 23, affecting civil aviation. Please check your flight status regularly and contact the airline if you have any questions."
