Recurring Issue at Dublin Airport Could Be Solved by Anti Drone Technology

Drone sightings close to the active airport have caused significant disruption at Dublin Airport (DUB).

These incidents are understandably frustrating and a solution may be in sight. It could be anti-drone technology with minimal cost.

Multiple incidents

Before we can understand the proposal, let's first explain why anti-drone technology is becoming a necessity at Ireland’s busiest and largest airport. Drones flying in the area have caused six delays in Dublin operations over recent weeks. According to a BBC report, this is despite the fact that such aircraft are illegally operated within 5km (3.1 miles) from the airport.

In February, the problem was at its most severe. Simple Flying reported that unauthorized drone activity caused temporary operational suspensions for three consecutive days last month. The disruptions lasted up to one hour and many passengers inbound were affected by the flights that diverted to Shannon and Belfast.

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), which was established in late May, called for harsher penalties for drone operators who are found operating within its restricted airspace. Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary suggested last week that anti-drone technology could be an alternative to the recurring problem.

Anti-drone system proposals

O'Leary stated that such technology is used in major European airports. It is operated by the facility's resident police forces and costs as low as EUR100,000. The Journal notes that there are no regulatory obstacles to its implementation.

According to the Irish publication, the use and implementation of anti-drone technology wouldn't require any primary legislation. Eamon Ryan (Ireland's minister of Transport) is going to ask the Cabinet for advice on how to make anti-drone technology more widely available in Dublin.

The matter should be decided today with a fairly quick turnaround. RTE, the Irish state broadcaster, notes that the system could be operational in a matter of weeks. Dublin Airport will be relieved, as it has just had its busiest February in recent years amid rising travel demand.

Drones can cause serious disruption

Dublin isn't the only airport that has experienced drone-related operational problems in recent years. You may recall that in December 2018, more than 1,000 flights were disrupted at London Gatwick (LGW), following multiple drone sightings.

More than 140,000 passengers were affected by this disruption at a crucial time of the year, which underlines the seriousness and urgency of the problem. After more than 400 cancellations, easyJet lost PS15 million, or $23.7 million, which affected 82,000 passengers. The new technology will allow Dublin Airport to avoid such disruptions in the future.

Source: simpleflying.com