Germany bans flights over Oktoberfest following terror threats

German authorities have banned flights over the annual Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich after a series of terror threats aimed at Germany.

The Interior Ministry in the state of Bavaria said today that the ban was ordered by the state's interior minister, Joachim Herrmann, and will run until the end of Oktoberfest on October 4.

Terror groups have directed threatening videos and audio messages at Germany in the past two weeks as citizens prepare to vote on Sunday in national elections.

Two were released on Friday, one by Osama bin Laden with German subtitles and another with the Taliban threatening attacks on Germany in revenge for its military presence in Afghanistan.