Categories: Aviation

Drone Sightings Cause Madrid Airport to Divert Flights

A reported sighting of drones near Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez-Barajas airport on Monday caused operations to close for over an hour. Twenty-six flight had to be diverted to other airports during this time.

MORE Airlines & Airports

Two pilots had allegedly seen drones near the airport after the Spanish air navigation authority, Enaire, reported the possible presence of drones in the area.

The Transport Ministry closed the airspace around Madrid’s international airport, while Enaire activated a special procedure to prevent further landings and takeoffs and to divert flights to other airports.

Enaire later warned, “A drone is not a toy, it’s an aircraft” via Twitter.

Air traffic restrictions were lifted at 14.15 p.m. (1315 GMT). Spain’s Civil Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

The Adolfo Suárez-Barajas international airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, operating an average of 1,200 flights per day.

According to the airport manager, AENA, nearly 62 million passengers went through the airport last year.

Brad Smith

A late bloomer but an early learner, Brad likes to be honestly biased. Though fascinated by the far-flung corners of the galaxy, She doesn’t fancy the idea of humans moving to Mars.

Recent Posts

Fall Travel Preview

The upcoming Labor Day weekend signals the transition from summer to fall, making it one…

2 days ago

Back-to-School Meals With Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen

As the busy fall season kicks off, celebrity chef Jamie Gwen is here to help…

2 days ago

American Airlines Flight Lands After Laptop Catches Fire, Four to Five Passengers Reportedly Burned

A laptop caught fire aboard an American Airlines flight on Friday, August 21. American Airlines…

2 weeks ago

American Airlines Bringing Seatback Screens and More Premium Seats

American Airlines announced on Tuesday that it would add more premium seats and bring back…

2 weeks ago

Spirit Flight Attendants Push Back Against Google Data Deal

A bankruptcy court has postponed approval of Google’s purchase of Spirit Airlines data amid objections…

2 weeks ago