Cologne/Bonn Airport temporarily halts flights after security alert

Flight operations at Cologne/Bonn Airport were temporarily halted on February 13 after a security incident forced authorities to close the airport’s secure areas.

Federal police confirmed that departures were suspended because the security zones at Terminals 1 and 2 had to be cleared as a precaution, according to Deutsche Welle.

Officials emphasised that there was no immediate threat to passengers or staff.

The airport’s security checkpoint was shut at 6:37 a.m., and investigators initially withheld details while the situation was being assessed. The disruption came a day after the introduction of new security screening technology, though it remains unclear whether this contributed to the incident.

According to German public broadcaster WDR, airport staff had identified suspicious items in a passenger’s bag, which triggered alerts on the security monitors. Instead of routing the bag to a separate conveyor for further inspection, the luggage was mistakenly returned to the passenger.

Shortly before 10 a.m. local time, authorities indicated that the airport was nearing full reopening. “We are now very close to reopening; we have almost completed the necessary measures,” a Federal Police spokesperson told DPA.

Passengers were advised to expect potential delays and remain updated on flight information while security measures were completed.

By Tamilla Hasanova