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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Roisin Butler

Ryanair and Aer Lingus slam government's response to drones at Dublin Airport

Ryanair and Aer Lingus have hit out at the Government after more drone disruption at Dublin Airport.

The airline faced 30 minute delays yesterday evening after another drone was detected in the airspace. It is illegal for people to fly drones within 5km of any Irish airport due to the potential safety risk.

The incident coincided with a court appearance yesterday over drone activity at the airport. Ryanair hit out at the response to the continued safety hazard, taking aim at the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan.

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The budget airline wrote: "Drone disruption at Dublin Airport again. Eamon Ryan is asleep at the wheel while more passengers are disrupted. Minister Ryan needs to urgently take action to prevent further drone disruption."

While speaking today, an Aer Lingus spokesperson said: "Severe disruption to airport operations by drone activity is unacceptable. It is very concerning that repeated incidents of drone activity are taking place in Dublin Airport.

"The Plan for Aviation Safety which contains actions to address the risks of drone infringements, and which has already been published, must now be progressed as a matter of urgency.

"The severe disruption imposed on passengers, airlines and other stakeholders is unacceptable and measures to address the drone issue must be now expedited in order to prevent any further recurrence of this type of disruption."

Dublin Airport has also weighed in on the recent attacks, suggesting that those responsible should face "severe punishment" for the disruption caused. Flights resumed at the airport shortly before 9pm.

Dublin Airport wrote on Twitter: "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 the airport. Severe punishments must follow for anyone found guilty."

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