Dublin Airport: Flights delayed for third day after drone sightings near runway

Significant disruptions again occurred at Dublin Airport this evening after a drone was sighted on the airfield – flights have had to be suspended for the third time in recent days.

The spokesman for the airport operator DAA confirmed that flight operations had to be suspended for 40 minutes.

“Flight operations at Dublin Airport were suspended again this evening (Monday) for safety reasons after a drone was sighted at the airfield,” the spokesman said.

“Flight operations resumed around 7:45 p.m. after an interruption of around 40 minutes.”

The spokesman said the “reckless and irresponsible behavior” of those causing ongoing drone disruption at Dublin Airport was “unacceptable”.

“Those responsible will be prosecuted. While safety and security remain our top priorities, such disruptions cause great inconvenience to our passengers,” the spokesman said.

“Once again we would like to remind the public that it is illegal to fly drones within 5 km of the airport.”

The DAA said the airport’s drone detection system, along with input from airline pilots, ground crew and air traffic control, provides a “rigorous and robust” surveillance system that allows for a “safe and timely response to these incidents so we can focus on our top priorities, protection.” and security”.

This is the third day that flight operations at the airport have been disrupted by drone activity.

Similar activity was reported on Friday and Saturday, causing a number of flights to and from the airport to be delayed.

Ryanair has again urged Transport Secretary Eamon Ryan to take “immediate action” to prevent further disruption.

A spokesman for the airline said the suspension of flights at the airport tonight prevented four of its flights from landing.

Three flights were diverted to Belfast while one was diverted to Shannon Airport.

“Thousands of passengers at Dublin Airport today encountered further disruption due to drone activity as the airport closed at 19:03 for a period of approximately 45 minutes,” the spokesman said.

They said it was “unacceptable” that thousands of passengers were now facing a third day of disruption due to apparent drone activity at the airport.

“With disruptions to flights to/from Dublin Airport on Friday, Saturday and now again today, Minister Ryan has remained silent and has not confirmed what action will be taken to prevent further disruption to passengers,” they said.

“We are again calling on Minister Ryan to confirm what measures are being taken to protect the country’s main airport from repeated disruption from illegal drone activity.”