Surveillance mechanisms at Dublin Airport succeeded in detecting illicit drone activity near the facility’s north complex on a recent Saturday evening. Airport authorities were able to subsequently apprehend the individual in question. In response to the illegal drone activity, the northern runway of the airport was promptly shut down around 9 p.m, rerouting incoming and outgoing flights to the southern runway.
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), responsible for managing both Dublin and Cork Airports, confirmed the incident the following Sunday afternoon. They stated that the drone was spotted close to the north runway shortly before 9 p.m that evening triggering immediate suspension of operations in that area. The swift response ensured that all flights were shifted to the south runway, enabling uninterrupted departures and arrivals.
Within minutes of the intrusion, the airport police took matters into control by apprehending the offender and the drone. The matter was then handed over to An Garda Síochána, the Irish state police. Despite the aforementioned disturbance, no flights were affected by the event.
The DAA reiterated to the general public that operating a drone without proper permission within a 5km radius of Dublin Airport is against the law. The drone user’s device was confiscated by An Garda Síochána and the incident is currently under enquiry with no arrests made so far.
The rising incidences of unlawful drone activity at Dublin Airport have only exacerbated in the previous years, leading to numerous drone breaches. These occurrences have been responsible for causing flight disruptions and consequent delays for thousands of passengers in the preceding year. Ryanair, a major Irish airline, conveyed serious concern regarding the frequent diversions of their inbound flights and postponements of outbound flights, necessitated by persistent drone disturbances.
To cope with the frequent interruptions, DAA invested in advanced equipment last summer, after receiving approval from the Irish communications regulator, ComReg. The infractions continue regardless of Ireland being one of the pioneer European nations to implement regulatory legislation for drone usage.
The 2015 legislation prohibits drones from operating within a 5km distance of any aerodrome or airport. It also bars them from flying over populated urban areas, assemblies of people, and restricted zones, such as military bases or prisons. Additionally, the law dictates that drones should not fly higher than 120m and not farther than 300m from the user.