Dublin Airport has reopened after a pilot spotted a drone flying over the airfield which lef to the suspension of all flights.
Three flights were diverted during the suspension and the airport said there would be some knock-on delays.
The airport apologised for any inconvenience caused and said it had taken the action as "the safety and security of customers is our key priority at all times".
It came after Gatwick Airport was closed for three days when a drone was flown near the airfield. The drone attack happened a few days before Christmas and disrupted hundreds of thousands of people's travel plans.
Dublin Airport said a pilot had reported a drone sighting to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), which operates air traffic control at Dublin Airport, at around 11.30am.
"Very shortly afterwards, and having contacted other aircraft in the vicinity, the IAA suspended flight operations at Dublin Airport in line with agreed protocols for confirmed drone sightings.
"A 30-minute suspension of flights was implemented by air traffic control at that point, which is the agreed procedure in such cases. As there were no further drone sighting within the 30-minute suspension period, Dublin Airport resumed flight operations shortly after noon."
The airport said Gardai and other state agencies were informed and reminded people that it is illegal to fly drones within five kilometres of an airport in the Republic.
All drones weighing more than one kilogramme must also be registered with the IAA.
Read more:
- Defensive tech and better regulation needed to stop drone incidents, expert says
- Gatwick and Heathrow investing in anti-drone technology
For safety reasons we are temporarily suspending flight operations @DublinAirport due the confirmed sighting of a drone over the airfield. Passengers should contact their airline's website for flight updates. We will post updates here when they become available.
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) February 21, 2019
