Flights were temporarily suspended at Dublin Airport earlier today after a confirmed drone sighting.
A pilot reported the drone sighting to the Irish Aviation Authority at around 11:30am this morning.
It led to flights being suspended temporarily for safety reasons and under agreed protocol.
However, Dublin Airport confirmed that flights resumed following the brief 30 minute suspension.
Flight operations have now resumed @DublinAirport following an earlier drone sighting. We apologise for any inconvenience. The safety and security of passengers is always our key priority.
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) February 21, 2019
In a statement, Dublin Airport said: "As there were no further drone sighting within the 30-minute suspension period, Dublin Airport resumed flight operations shortly after noon.
"The gardaí and other State agencies were informed of the incident immediately.
"It is illegal to fly drones within five kilometres of an airport in the State and all drones that weigh more than 1kg must be registered with the IAA."
They also confirmed three flights were diverted, and noted there will be some 'knock-on delays' as a result of the suspension.
Officials say they "remain vigilant" for any drone activity near the airport.
Flights resume
Dublin Airport's website showed a number of flight delays in the wake of the temporary suspension.
FlightRadar24, however, confirmed flights had resumed landing and taking off again shortly after midday.
Flights are landing and taking off again after earlier drone incident. pic.twitter.com/ylLkfO1X0g
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) February 21, 2019
Today's incident comes in the wake of several cases of drone disruption at airports.
In December, there were major delays at Gatwick Airport in England over several days after a number of drone sightings over the airport.
Tens of thousands of passengers were impacted as a result of the disruption, only days before Christmas.
Only last week there were delays at Dubai International Airport after reports of 'unauthorised drone activity'.
