Passengers are experiencing travel disruption as a well-known airport for British tourists has been shut down due to reported drone sightings in the vicinity. Police are currently investigating the presence of drones at Alicante-Elche Airport in eastern Spain, leading to the diversion of several flights. Authorities have confirmed that nine planes have been redirected and all departures and arrivals are currently on hold.
According to Aena, the organization managing Spanish airports, Ryanair flights from London, Manchester, Newcastle, Durham, and Frankfurt have been rerouted until 11 pm local time. Flights have been redirected to nearby airports such as Valencia, Murcia, and Palma de Majorca.
Law enforcement has deployed a specialized aerial unit to locate the drones, believed to be in the Torrellano area. An airport spokesperson mentioned that operations are suspended until safety can be assured before resuming. The first plane is expected to depart shortly before 11 pm, but passengers are cautioned about potential prolonged delays due to the airport closure.
Aena previously posted about the drone presence near Alicante-Elche Airport, prompting flight diversions and collaboration with security forces to normalize operations swiftly. This incident follows a recent drone sighting at Majorca Airport, where flights were halted, and multiple planes had to divert to alternative Spanish airports. Reports suggest that drone interference at various European airports, with alleged involvement from Russia, has caused disruptions.
Passengers on a Ryanair flight from Madrid to Palma reported the sighting of a drone during landing, leading to diversion to Ibiza. Travelers expressed uncertainty about flight resumption as diverted planes made stops for refueling. Flight disruptions due to drone activities have become a recurring issue, impacting air travel across different regions.