Police report that a drone fitted with an explosive device was found at a German airport.

After the device appeared in the cargo zone overnight, Saxony police sent a robot to Leipzig/Halle Airport.

A second unknown object struck a cargo plane close to the airport. Slight damage appeared on the aircraft once it reached Hanover.

Germany has seen repeated unauthorised drone activity in recent months near military bases, airports, energy sites, seaports and logistics firms.

Airports across the country remain on alert. Federal police have suggested Russian agents may be behind the flights.

A police spokesman informed the BBC that the item found at Leipzig Airport lay near parked Ukrainian Antonov transport planes.

Federal Police and an explosive-detection robot inspected the object.

The Federal Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit removed the detonator from the device.

Operations on the northern runway restarted at 01:55 (23:55 GMT on Tuesday).

The southern runway, a key DHL logistics hub, stays shut.

Saxony Interior Minister Armin Schuster called the event a very serious security incident.

In July 2024 a parcel ignited on the ground at Leipzig airport before loading onto a DHL plane, part of several fires aimed at UK and EU sites.

Officials suspect possible sabotage tied to Moscow.

The parcels held explosive devices triggered by timers concealed inside vibrating massage pillows, authorities said.

Russia has rejected any role in the events.

Last year a Chinese woman was found guilty of sharing flight and cargo details from Leipzig-Halle Airport with a Beijing-linked spy.