Overview

• Pilots reported a flash and bang shortly after a Friday noon departure near Fliegerhorst Celle and alerted the control tower.
• The aircraft was not hit, and authorities currently assess there was no immediate risk to the flight.
• Bundeswehr military police and Celle police searched the area with a bomb-detection dog but found no suspect or physical evidence.
• Investigators opened proceedings for dangerous interference with air traffic, an offense that can draw fines or six months to ten years in prison.
• Reports indicate the device was likely a New Year’s fireworks rocket, and flight operations remain unrestricted as inquiries continue.