On Monday evening, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández International Airport found itself at the center of an emergency. An unidentified drone was spotted in close proximity to the runway, forcing airport authorities to temporarily halt all operations for nearly two hours.
During this time, the airport neither received nor dispatched any flights. As a result, ten planes arriving from Amsterdam, Lanzarote, Manchester, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Paris, Frankfurt, and Krakow were forced to reroute. Most landed in Valencia, while the rest were diverted to Murcia, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona. Passengers faced delays, but no flights were canceled.
The drone was sighted at around 20:53, prompting the airport’s immediate closure to ensure safety. Airspace remained restricted until almost 23:00, while specialists confirmed there was no ongoing threat. After that, airport operations resumed and airlines began returning passengers to their destinations.
The drone’s appearance not only caused transportation chaos but also sparked concern among staff and travelers. Authorities quickly notified law enforcement. Police and the Guardia Civil launched an investigation to determine who operated the drone and how it entered the restricted area.
Although the incident did not lead to flight cancellations, many travelers spent extra hours on their journeys and waiting. Airlines had to adjust their logistics to get people to Alicante. Airport authorities note that such incidents can have serious consequences for the safety and operation of airports.
The case in Alicante once again raises the issue of drone use near strategic facilities. In recent years, such incidents have become increasingly common, highlighting the need for stricter measures and greater responsibility from drone owners.
