Copyright theleader
About 1,000 passengers affected as flights diverted to Valencia, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca Alicante, Spain — October 28, 2025. National Police officers are searching for the owner of a drone that flew over Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport , forcing them to suspend operations on Monday evening. The Airport has now resumed normal operations after being closed for two hours due to the detection of a drone near its airspace. Airport operator Aena reported the sighting at 8:53 p.m., prompting an immediate suspension of all take-offs and landings as a safety precaution. Operations were gradually restored at 11:00 p.m., following security checks and clearance from air traffic control. During the shutdown, ten international flights were diverted to nearby airports — seven to Valencia, one to Murcia, one to Barcelona, and one to Palma de Mallorca. Authorities estimate that around 1,000 passengers were affected by the disruption, which triggered heightened security alerts and coordination among aviation and law enforcement agencies. In line with protocol, airport management informed the Civil Guard, which has opened an investigation. The National Police also deployed members of its Air Media Unit to the Torrellano area, near the airport, in an attempt to locate the device. Officers used the AeroScope detection system, a technology capable of identifying and tracking unauthorized drones in restricted airspace. By midnight, flight operations were returning to normal, with six delayed departures cleared for takeoff between 11:15 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Aena said that while most services had resumed, some late-night flights were still experiencing delays. Wider Drone Security Concerns This latest incident highlights growing challenges faced by Spanish airports following recent drone-related disruptions. Similar events were reported last week in Palma de Mallorca and earlier this month in the Canary Islands. Such incidents can cause significant operational and financial losses for airlines and airport operators. According to Spain’s State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), flying a drone without authorization in controlled airspace is classified as a “very serious offense”, carrying fines of up to €225,000, and may also lead to criminal prosecution. Flights Diverted During Alicante Airport Closure TRA6145 (Transavia) – from Amsterdam-Schiphol (AMS) RYR4696 (Ryanair) – from Lanzarote (ACE) EXS881 (Jet2.com) – from Manchester (MAN) RYR6366 (Ryanair) – from Krakow (KRK) EZY3357 (easyJet UK) – from Liverpool (LPL) RYR4027 (Ryanair) – from Manchester (MAN) RYR6647 (Ryanair) – from London-Stansted (STN) RYR4080 (Ryanair) – from Newcastle (NCL) RYR2663 (Ryanair) – from Frankfurt-Hahn (HHN) VY8322 (Vueling) – from Paris-Orly (ORY)** Several departing flights were also delayed, including services to Amsterdam (TRA6146), Liverpool (EZY3358), Manchester (RYR4028), and London-Stansted (RYR6646).
