Gardaí investigating recent drone activity at Dublin Airport have arrested a man contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.
He was arrested specifically in connection with the sighting of a drone too close to the airport on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
It is not clear at this point if he was behind the most recent drone activity that caused havoc for incoming and outgoing flights last weekend.
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The man was detained at Dublin Airport Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and investigations are ongoing.
He has since been charged and is due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice (Court 4) at 10:30am this morning, Friday, February 10, 2023.
According to Irish drone laws, you should avoid flying near airports and heliports and stay a minimum of 8 kilometers away from airports and 3 kilometers from heliports for safety.
Flights to and from Dublin Airport were suspended across three evenings - Saturday, Sunday, and Monday last - after a drone was spotted once again on the airfield.
Ryanair has been calling on the Department of Transport to take action against illegal drone activity to avoid future disruptions.
The daa also branded those flying drones in and around the airport "irresponsible" and "reckless."
Thousands of passengers were affected by diversions, suspensions and cancellations, which means it will likely have a hefty cost for airlines if many opt for compensation.
Under the EU Passenger Rights Regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation - of between €250 and €600 per person - in the following cases:
- Delays: Your flight must have arrived at its destination three or more than three hours late
- Cancellations: If you have been informed of cancellation less than 14 days before departure
- Overbooking: The airline overbooked your flight and you will not find a seat on board, which is equivalent to denied boarding
- Missed connecting flight: If the final destination is reached three or more than three hours later due to a missed connecting flight. This also applies if the connecting flight was operated by another airline as long as your ticket is valid for both legs of the flight
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