Recent weeks have seen Dublin Airport (DUB) face extensive disruption due to drone sightings near the active airfield. With these incidents understandably generating considerable frustration, a solution is needed, and one may be on the horizon in the form of anti-drone technology that comes with minimal costs.

Multiple incidents

To understand the proposal, we must first establish why anti-drone technology has become a necessity at Ireland's largest and busiest airport. In recent weeks, operations in Dublin have been halted a total of six times by drones flying in the area. This is despite the operation of such aircraft within 5 km (3.1 miles) of the airport being illegal, according to a recent report by the BBC.

The problem was arguably at its worst in early February. As Simple Flying reported at the time, unauthorized drone activity in the facility's airspace caused temporary operational suspensions on three consecutive days last month. This caused periods of disruption lasting up to an hour, with flights diverting to Belfast and Shannon in the meantime, impacting many inbound passengers.

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Dublin Airport Ground Handler
Photo: DAA

Later that month, the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) called for stricter punishments for those found guilty of operating drones in its restricted airspace. However, last week, Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary suggested that anti-drone technology would instead be a 'reasonably easy' solution to this recurring problem.

Proposed anti-drone systems

The BBC adds that, according to O'Leary, such technology is commonplace at major European airports. Operated by the facilities' resident police forces, it is said to cost as little as €100,000 ($106,655). According to the Irish Independent, the systems in question would be able to jam the frequencies on which the drones operate, thus causing them to cease flying in the airport's vicinity.

The Journal also notes that, from a regulatory point of view, there would be little in the way of obstacles to getting it going. This is because, as the Irish publication explains, it is believed that the implementation and use of anti-drone technology would not require any primary legislation.

With this in mind, Eamon Ryan, Ireland's minister for Transport, is set to ask the Cabinet to advise the DAA to bring anti-drone technology into use in Dublin.

Aer Lingus Planes Dublin Airport
Photo: Peter Krocka/Shutterstock

A decision on the matter should be made today, with a relatively quick turnaround expected. Indeed, accounting for the implementation of the systems and the necessary training, Irish state broadcaster RTÉ notes that it could be operational within 'a number of weeks.' This will come as a relief to Dublin Airport, given that it just experienced its busiest-ever February amid rising travel demand.

UPDATE: 2023/03/07 10:31 UTC BY JAKE HARDIMAN

DAA Statement

Simple Flying contacted the DAA, with a spokesperson sharing the following statement from CEO Kenny Jacobs:

"Exact timelines cannot be confirmed just yet given the requirement to identify and procure the most suitable technology, engage with the Irish Aviation Authority on its use and train those that will ultimately deploy it. But we are moving very quickly, and we will have this technology in place as soon as possible."

Drones can cause serious disruption

Of course, Dublin is not the only airport to face drone-related operational difficulties in recent years. Indeed, you may remember that, in December 2018, London Gatwick (LGW) saw more than 1,000 flights disrupted in the busy leadup to Christmas after multiple reported drone sightings in its vicinity.

Drone On Runway
Photo: cinema99/Shutterstock

This disruption impacted more than 140,000 passengers at a time of year when travel is vital, underlining the seriousness of the issue. easyJet was hit particularly hard, losing £15 million (£19.7 million or $23.7 million today) after more than 400 flights were canceled, affecting 82,000 passengers. Dublin Airport will hope to avoid ever experiencing such disruption thanks to the new technology.

Sources: BBC, Irish Independent, RTÉ, The Journal