Passengers faced disarray at the airport of a popular holiday destination for many Brits due to reports of a drone sighting. Flights were disrupted at Majorca Airport around 6 pm UK time, with several planes being redirected to other Spanish airports after air crew reported drone sightings. FlightRadar24 confirmed the suspension of operations at Palma de Mallorca Airport due to drone presence, causing diversions of multiple flights.
Approximately 12 flights were diverted, and a Gatwick-bound flight experienced delays. Despite Spanish emergency services searching the area, no suspicious activities were detected. Air crew from six planes reported drone sightings, prompting emergency protocols. This incident adds to the growing number of drone-related disruptions at European airports, with allegations linking some incidents to Russia.
Enaire, the Spanish air traffic control agency, announced a temporary operational halt at Palma de Majorca Airport due to drone sightings. Subsequently, the airport reopened, allowing normal flight operations to resume, with passengers advised to consult their airlines for potential impacts. Aena, the entity managing Spanish airports, indicated a brief suspension of arrival operations as a precautionary measure, which was lifted after safety assessments.
Passengers onboard a Ryanair flight from Madrid to Palma recounted the cabin crew informing them about the drone sighting, leading to their diversion to Ibiza. A passenger mentioned that diverted flights like theirs had to refuel, causing uncertainty regarding departure times.