Anger as drone activity at Dublin Airport causes three days of disruption to flights

Six flights were diverted away from Dublin Airport on Monday, leading to a third day of disruption due to drone activity in the area.

It follows flight disruption in previous days on Friday and Saturday as well.

A spokesperson for daa, the operator of Dublin Airport, said travel was suspended on Monday evening for safety reasons after a drone was spotted on the airfield.

They said the suspension lasted for around 40 minutes, with flight operations restarting at around 7.45pm.

Ryanair condemned the situation as unacceptable and urged the Irish Government to act.

A spokesperson for the airline called for minister for transport, Eamon Ryan, to take immediate action and prevent further disruption.

“It is unacceptable that thousands of passengers have now faced a third day of disruptions due to apparent drone activity at Dublin Airport,” they said.

“With disruptions to flights to/from Dublin Airport on Friday, Saturday and now again today, minister Ryan has stayed silent and failed to confirm what actions are being implemented to prevent further disruption to passengers.

“We are yet again calling on minister Ryan to confirm what action is being taken to protect the country’s main airport from repeated disruptions from illegal drone activity.”

The daa spokesperson said the six flights diverted on Monday were expected to return to Dublin Airport in the evening.

“The reckless and irresponsible behaviour of those causing ongoing drone disruptions at Dublin Airport is unacceptable,” he said.

“Those found responsible will face prosecution. While safety and security remain our top priorities such disruptions cause huge inconvenience to our passengers.

“Dublin Airport’s drone detection system, along with input from airline pilots, ground crew and air traffic control, provides a rigorous and robust monitoring system which allows for a safe and timely response to these incidents to allow us focus on our top priorities: safety and security.”