Leipzig/Halle closes northern runway after fence damage

The northern runway at Germany's Leipzig/Halle airport was closed after damage to its perimeter fence was discovered. Police began searching the airport grounds.

The damage was discovered around 23.00 local time on October 17. Flights in the airport's northern section were also suspended for safety reasons, Leipzig police said.

The cause is under investigation. DPA, citing a police representative, reported that a vehicle may have broken through the fence. The damaged section is near a parking area for Antonov cargo aircraft.

Federal police are searching the grounds with support from Saxony state police. The authorities' initial statement said operations on the southern runway were continuing.