Else Beekman
On Monday, February 24th, 2025, an unidentified drone caused a significant disruption at Seville Airport, temporarily suspending air traffic and diverting multiple flights.
At 12.52 pm authorities spotted an unknown drone near runway 09, prompting an immediate halt to all air traffic. This precautionary measure remained in effect until 1.16 pm, during which time traffic controllers had to redirect five incoming flights to alternative airports.
Impacted flights and diversions
The affected flights included arrivals from Istanbul, Madrid, Santander, Barcelona, and Porto. Specifically, the Istanbul flight was diverted to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport; those from Madrid, Santander, and Barcelona were rerouted to Jerez de la Frontera; and the Porto flight was sent to Faro. Then, at 1.16 pm, things returned to normal and all aircraft scheduled for that day were allowed to take off and land.
Rising incidents involving drones
This event underscores a growing concern regarding unauthorised drone activities near Spanish airports. In 2023, there were 80 reported drone-related incidents, with only 2 causing operational disruptions. However, over the past five years, a total of 412 such incidents have been recorded, with 8 leading to operational disturbances. Notably, in November 2024, Madrid-Barajas Airport experienced a similar disruption, diverting 21 flights due to drone sightings.
Legal implications and safety measures
Operating drones near airports without proper authorisation is illegal in Spain, carrying severe penalties. Recent incidents have highlighted the enforcement of these regulations. In February 2025, a British national faced a €30,000 fine. The police caught him illegally drone filming in a restricted area during a festival in Palma.
To mitigate such risks, Spanish aviation authorities have implemented strict protocols. Consequently, if authorities observe unauthorised drones near airports, they mandate immediate suspension of air traffic to ensure passenger safety. Collaborative efforts between airport operators, law enforcement, and air traffic control aim to swiftly address and prevent these disruptions.
Also read: Malaga Airport prepares an air taxi service with unmanned drones