Airspace Closure Impacts Major Tourist Hub
Air traffic at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, a significant gateway for tourists in Spain, was brought to a standstill for approximately two hours on Monday, October 27, 2025. The disruption occurred after a drone was sighted flying dangerously close to the runway, prompting authorities to suspend both arrivals and departures for safety reasons.
The incident, which began shortly after 9:30 p.m. local time, caused considerable chaos for travelers. Spain's airport authority, Aena, confirmed the closure, stating that the decision was made 'purely for safety reasons' until the situation could be fully assessed.
Flights Diverted and Passengers Stranded
The airspace shutdown resulted in the diversion of numerous flights. Reports indicate that at least six to ten flights bound for Alicante were rerouted to alternative airports, including Valencia's Manises Airport, Murcia, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca. While there were no immediate cancellations, many flights experienced significant delays, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and facing extended waiting times.
Passengers on affected flights, including those from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, were advised to check with their airlines for updated flight statuses.
Investigation Underway Amid Growing Concerns
Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the operator of the drone. Flying drones near airports is strictly prohibited under Spanish law, with offenders facing substantial fines of up to €225,000.
This incident at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is not isolated. Similar drone-related disruptions have occurred at other European airports, including Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, and Fuerteventura, highlighting a growing concern for aviation safety. Aviation authorities across Europe are increasingly calling for tighter controls and improved drone detection technology to prevent future occurrences and mitigate the risks posed by unauthorized drone activity.
5 Comments
Katchuka
Absolute right call. Safety of passengers comes first, no question.
Noir Black
While safety must be the priority, the scale of disruption from a single drone is becoming a major problem for air travel. We need better technology to quickly neutralize these threats without shutting down entire operations.
Eugene Alta
Total incompetence. How hard is it to track and remove a drone quickly?
Africa
My holiday ruined by some idiot with a drone. They need to catch these people faster.
Bella Ciao
While I understand the need for caution, the impact on thousands of travelers and diverted flights is immense. There must be a way to manage these situations more efficiently, perhaps by having rapid response units trained specifically for drone threats.