FRANKFURT, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Drones operating near German airports have caused losses amounting to tens of millions of euros, occasionally forcing flight disruptions and airport closures, according to a report published on Monday.
Of the 266 drone-related incidents reported near 25 German airports last year, 116 resulted in full or partial closures, causing losses of around 60 million euros (69 million U.S. dollars), according to the report by the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
When additional factors such as flight delays, disrupted aircraft rotations and cancellations are taken into account, the total cost of drone-related disruptions could reach 160 million euros (184 million dollars), the report said.
Airlines face additional expenses stemming from extended flight times, increased fuel consumption and passenger accommodation, while airports suffer losses from flight cancellations and operational disruptions.
Frankfurt and Munich, Germany's two largest airports, were among the hardest hit. A drone sighting near Munich Airport in October led to restrictions that lasted several days and affected around 10,000 passengers.
Drone flights are prohibited within a 1.5-km radius of airports in Germany. Violators can face prison sentences of up to 10 years. ■