Berlin: In a shocking development, Munich Airport was temporarily shut down Thursday night following multiple drone sightings, affecting dozens of flights and thousands of passengers, CNN reported citing officials. 

According to a statement from the airport, 17 departures were grounded. In addition, 15 incoming flights were redirected to nearby German cities, including Stuttgart, Nuremberg, and Frankfurt, as well as to Vienna in Austria, the statement added.

The authorities have not yet confirmed the source of the drone activity, and the airport has urged passengers to check with their airlines for updates.

The incident occurred just days after NATO countries reported alleged Russian drone incursions into their airspace.