Massive NATO Air Force Drill Disrupting Passenger Flights

Airlines operating passenger flights in and around Germany are more or less anxious as a massive NATO drill is closing or restricting a large swath of Germany's airspace.

"Air Defender 23," the biggest-ever NATO air force deployment exercise, which involves 10,000 military personnel and 250 combat aircraft from 25 nations, kicked off on Monday and will last until June 23, Xinhua reported.

According to a spokesperson for German air traffic control, the drill, being carried out mainly in German airspace, will have a considerable impact on passenger flights.

Consequently, up to 800 passenger flights will have to be rerouted, and around 40 percent of them will have to cover distances about 110 km longer, said the spokesperson.

Passengers must deal with possible delays, prolonged flight time and cancellations during the two weeks.