Following three incidents within a few days that disrupted thousands of passengers’ flights, Gardai are now “fully investigating” recent drone appearances at Dublin Airport.
Yesterday, flights from the airport were once again temporarily halted after a drone was spotted on the airfield, risking the security of the passengers.
Thousands of passengers were delayed as a result of the illegal drone activity, which shut down airport operations. Flights were halted for 40 minutes before they were resumed at 7.45 p.m.
“Gardaí in Dublin Airport were alerted to a call shortly after 7 p.m. on Monday 6th February 2023 to a confirmed sighting of a drone at Dublin Airport,” a garda spokesperson said.
They added that the regulation of drones is a matter for the Irish Aviation Authority.
A Dublin Airport spokesperson has condemned the “reckless and irresponsible behaviour of those casing ongoing drone disruptions” adding that those found responsible will face prosecution.
The spokesperson said that the 40 minute standstill caused a “huge inconvenience” to passengers.
It is illegal to fly drones within 5 km of the airport.
This latest incident is the third in recent days, and it comes after flights were also disrupted last Friday evening, when a drone was also seen on the airfield.
As a result, inbound flights had to land at other airports around the country.
Another drone was spotted on Saturday – leading to further reroutes.
Flights were once again diverted yesterday evening, with several crews having to redirect to Belfast and Shannon Airports.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Jack Chambers will convene a meeting this evening with representatives from daa, the Irish Aviation Authority, the Department of Justice, and the gardaí.
A statement issued this afternoon by the Department of Transport said that the Ministers will be briefed on the recent drone sightings and of “ongoing efforts to address illegal use of drones in the vicinity of the airport”.
The statement also confirmed that the relevant authorities continue to investigate the incidents.
Earlier today, Minister Ryan said that the Government is fully supporting Dublin Airport and that he would sit down with management to look at the “different mechanism” that could be used to deter drones.
“It’s very hard to do with the scale of the airport and the size of a drone,” he said.
Ryan warned that the Gardaí are actively investigating these drone appearances and whoever is responsible is “subject to arrest”.
Speaking on his way to Cabinet this morning, Ryan added that he believes that this is the “best way’ to tackle these incidents, “because the person who is doing this is taking risks with their own liberty”.
Elsewhere, Ryanair have called on the Government to take immediate action following the third day of “drone disruption”, as yesterday’s incident prevented four Ryanair aircrafts from landing.
The airline has repeated a call for the Transport Minister to state what actions are being taken to prevent further disruptions.
A spokesperson said that it is “unacceptable” that passengers have faced a third day of disruptions due to drone activity.
Source: The Journal