The airport in Cologne/Bonn is experiencing significant disruptions to air travel due to a security incident. As of Friday, February 13, 2026, departing flights have been halted as the Bundespolizei (Federal Police) has closed and cleared the security area of Terminals 1 and 2.
Security Measures in Place
The Luftsicherheits-Kontrollstelle (Air Security Control) was closed at 6:37 AM local time, prompting the evacuation of the security areas. A spokesperson for the Bundespolizei stated that the action was a precautionary measure and there is currently no known threat to life or limb.
Details regarding the nature of the security incident remain limited, as authorities are still investigating. The spokesperson emphasized that they are only releasing confirmed information at this time.
Impact on Travel
Currently, no departing passengers are being processed through security. Both personal and baggage screening are suspended, preventing travelers from accessing the secure areas of the airport. However, arriving flights are not affected, and passengers are able to exit the airport building.
Authorities confirmed that new security technology was implemented at the airport the day prior to the incident. Whether this new technology is related to the current situation is still under investigation.
What Happens Next?
The duration of the disruption remains unclear. The Bundespolizei has indicated that the investigation is comprehensive and will take an undetermined amount of time to complete. The security area will remain closed until the source of the concern is identified and addressed. We see also possible that the investigation could reveal no significant threat, leading to a swift resumption of normal operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the disruption at the Cologne/Bonn airport?
A security incident prompted the Bundespolizei to close and clear the security area of the airport. The specific nature of the incident is currently under investigation.
Are arriving flights affected?
No, arriving flights are not affected. Passengers on arriving flights are able to exit the airport building without issue.
Is there a timeline for when flights will resume?
There is currently no estimated time for when departing flights will resume. The duration of the disruption is dependent on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation unfolds, what level of transparency do you think is most vital for maintaining public trust during airport security incidents?
