Airport hit by drone chaos
FLIGHTS WERE DIVERTED TO SHANNON
A NUMBER of flights were forced to divert to Shannon Airport after a drone was spotted at Dublin Airport last night.
At around 6.45pm, air traffic controllers were alerted to a drone sighting at the airport and, in line with protocols, operations were suspended.
Controllers issued radio messages to approaching and departing aircraft advising crews of the issue.
The pilots of all departing flights were advised that operations had been suspended and would not be taking off. Aircraft already taxiing to the runway were advised to hold position.
A Ryanair flight from Gatwick already on approach to land, was instructed by air traffic controllers in Dublin to “go around” after the drone was seen.
Aborted
The crew aborted their landing and flew back out over the Irish Sea to await further instructions.
The crew later opted to divert to Shannon. Ryanair flights FR-7763 and FR5150 from Alicante and from Glasgow respectively also diverted to Shannon.
Other aircraft on approach to Dublin were placed in holding patterns over the Irish Sea while flights scheduled to departed were grounded.
It’s understood the drone was observed over the aircraft hangars.
Airport police officers responded to investigate while it’s understood Gardaí were also alerted.
At around 7.10pm it was confirmed operations were ready to resume and flights were once again cleared to depart and land.
Last month, flight operations were also temporarily suspended at Dublin Airport after a drone was detected in the vicinity.
That incident on January 24 saw operations resume about 20 minutes later.
It is illegal to fly drones within five kilometres of any airport in the State.
Deaths
Meanwhile, Gardai and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have also urged those on the move this weekend to be extra careful following the deaths of 20 people on Irish roads so far this year.
The force said it will be carrying out spot checks across the country for speeding and drink driving.
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said: This year to date there have been 20 fatalities on the roads. We are asking everyone to work together in keeping our roads safe.”