Munich airport in Germany has been forced to suspend operations after drones were sighted on Thursday evening.

Some 17 flights have been cancelled as a result, with another 15 being diverted to other nearby airports including Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Vienna and Frankfurt.

Nearly 3,000 passengers have been affected.

The airport confirmed that flight operations were first restricted at 10.18pm (local time) before they were later suspended altogether due to the drone sightings.

It said passengers were being taken care of, adding: "Camp beds were set up, and blankets, drinks, and snacks were provided."

In a statement the airport continued: "When a drone is sighted, the safety of travellers is the top priority.

"Reporting chains between air traffic control, the airport, and police authorities have been established for years.

"It is important emphasise that the detection and defence against drones are sovereign tasks and the responsibility of the federal and state police."