Dublin airport closes again due to drone flights

Dublin Airport officials made a statement yesterday announcing that the airport was closed for a short time due to drone sightings in its airspace. “As a result of this reckless and illegal activity carried out by flying a drone 5km from Dublin Airport, 3 flights were diverted and passengers were victimized,” the statement said.

Airport officials drew attention to this situation, which has been experienced frequently in recent weeks; “Drones causing disruption at airports and events is a state issue that must be addressed with new legislation, a government agency responsible for managing anti-drone technology, and tougher penalties,” he said.

HARD REVIEW FROM AIRPORTS

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary criticized Irish Transport Minister Eamon Ryan following yesterday’s incident and called for action or resignation. CEO O’Leary made a video statement from the airline’s operations center, saying yesterday’s incident was the sixth drone incident in recent weeks and Ryanair planes were diverted to other airports.

“Tomorrow this transport minister will tell the world that he has had more meetings, meetings in the last five or six weeks, while Dublin airport is the most drone-affected airport in Europe,” O’Leary said. (DHA)