Illegal Drone Activities At Dublin Airport — Dublin Airport’s operator, DAA, has called for sanctions to be handed out to those responsible for illegally flying drones within and near the airport for the past two weeks.
Two weeks ago, we reported how flights were disrupted at the airport, leaving several passengers stranded due to flight suspension or diversion due to illegal drone flying. Two weeks later not, such has been done about the disturbing occurrence.
Recent Illegal Drone Activities
Operations at the airport were suspended for 30 minutes on Tuesday 21st February, after a drone was seen within the airport’s airspace boundary. DAA reported that flights were stopped at 20:22 as a result of the disruption and had to halt until 20:52 as its safety protocols required. The Irish police (An Garda Síochána) were immediately notified to avoid flight diversions.
According to the Irish Aviation Authority regulations, flying a drone within 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) of the airport is illegal. This is why the authority asks that offenders be punished as the law demands.
The airport’s operator spokesman had this to say:
“On the day in which a second person in two weeks has been charged with flying a drone near Dublin Airport, we would remind drone users that it is illegal to fly a drone within 5km of an Irish airport. Severe punishments must follow for anyone found guilty, and the State must consider counter-drone technology for use by the Department of Defence to take down drones that threaten passengers and aircraft activity in such a reckless manner.”
A spokesperson for Irish airline Ryanair said:
“It is unacceptable that more Ryanair flights and hundreds of passengers have again suffered disruptions and delays as Dublin Airport closed for a fifth time in four weeks.”
So far, the authorities have arrested just two men, who have since been brought before a court in Dublin for the illegal operation of drones near the airport. Both men were released on bail to re-appear in court once further evidence has been obtained from the Irish Director of Public Prosecutions.
Do you think stricter sanctions will resolve the issue? Let’s hear your opinion in the comment section.
