Another European airport has been shut down due to drones!
Heliport H Light,
PAPI Slope Light,
Airport windsock,
frangible flange.
On October 28, 2025, Civil Aviation Resource Network reported that, according to EuroWeekly, passengers bound for Alicante-Elchemiguel Hernandez Airport in Spain experienced unexpected chaos on Monday night (October 27) due to a drone causing a complete disruption to air traffic.
The Spanish Airports Authority (Aena) confirmed that all inbound and outbound flights were suspended around 9:30 PM after receiving a report of a drone dangerously approaching the runway.
The airspace closure lasted for several hours, forcing six flights to divert – five to Valencia Manices Airport and one to Murcia. Aena stated that this action was "entirely for safety reasons" until the situation was fully assessed.
Passengers on affected flights were informed mid-flight that their planes could not land in Alicante, while those waiting to take off were stranded in the terminal due to the situation. Ground staff quickly assisted passengers on diverted flights, making every effort to arrange transportation and accommodation. Other passengers were advised to continue contacting their airlines for updates.
Following established security procedures, airport officials have notified the Spanish Civil Guard to conduct an investigation and trace the person responsible for operating the drone in the no-fly zone. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the drone was illegally operated or accidentally strayed into the no-fly zone, but either way, it could have serious consequences. Spanish law strictly prohibits operating drones near airports, with violators facing fines of up to €225,000.
Experts point out that even a small drone colliding with an aircraft taking off or landing could cause a major accident, posing a serious threat to aviation safety.
This Alicante drone incident is not an isolated case. Previously, Madrid, Lisbon, and London airports have all closed due to drone activity near runways. European aviation authorities have been calling for stronger regulations and improved drone detection technology to prevent future drone-related flight disruptions.