Flights due to land at Dublin Airport had to divert to alternative airports at Shannon and Belfast airports on 6 February as a result of drones flying close to the airport. According to Irish news source Breaking News, “several flights were forced to divert” in a third incident in as many days at Dublin Airport.
“At around 7.00pm, air traffic controllers were alerted to a possible drone at Dublin Airport and quickly suspended operations. Controllers advised all flights on the ground and on approach to the airport of the issue. Aircraft due to depart were grounded while flights scheduled to land at Dublin were placed in holding patterns away from the airport while a search for the drone was carried out,” said the report.
Diverted flights included an incoming TUI Airways flight from Gran Canaria and Ryanair flights from Valencia and Poland. Ryanair has called on the government to say what actions are being taken to prevent further disruption to passengers.
“A spokesperson for the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) said: “Flight operations at Dublin Airport were once again suspended this evening for safety reasons after a drone was spotted on the airfield. Following a suspension of around 40 minutes, flight operations restarted around 7.45pm.”
The airport authority reminded the public that it is illegal to fly drones within 5km of the airport.
(Image: Dublin Airport)
For more information visit:
www.breakingnews.ie
