DHL plane hits unknown object over Germany, forcing unscheduled Hanover landing

A DHL cargo plane was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Hanover, Germany, after hitting an unknown object shortly after takeoff from Leipzig/Halle airport. Authorities are investigating a drone found near a runway at the airport, which reportedly contained a detonator. The southern runway was closed for examination by explosives experts, leading to several flight diversions, though operations resumed by morning. German airports are on high alert due to a series of unauthorized drone overflights, with federal police suggesting potential involvement by Russian agents. DHL Group CEO Tobias Meyer stated, "We've got plans for cases like this, and we'll try to make sure that the influence on our customers will be as low as possible." This incident follows investigations into incendiary devices found in parcels at DHL facilities and other European locations in 2024, which Russia denies.