Pilot reports large drone during approach to Dublin Airport
A pilot flying into Dublin Airport has reported seeing what appeared to be a large black drone at around 6,000 feet over the Irish Sea.
The incident happened at around 5.20pm on Tuesday, September 8, as an Aer Lingus Regional flight was making its approach to Dublin Airport after flying from Cornwall. The pilot contacted Dublin Air Traffic Control after spotting the object and reported that it was around 3km from the aircraft. When asked if they could identify it, the pilot described the object as large and black.
Air traffic control then alerted other aircraft in the area and asked pilots to keep an eye out for the object. However, none of the other aircraft reported seeing it. The reported sighting was in the Irish Sea off the east coast, with reports placing it off the County Wicklow coast.
The Journal reported that the sighting took place outside Ireland's 12 nautical mile territorial limit. Air traffic control later said there was no observed primary radar target at the reported location. A Coast Guard helicopter was also sent to the area following the report.
The pilot's report was subsequently passed to the relevant authorities.
Garda investigation
An Garda Síochána has confirmed that it is investigating the reported sighting. Gardaí have described it as an alleged sighting of an unconfirmed object over the Irish Sea, meaning authorities have not established that the object was definitely a drone.
AirNav Ireland confirmed that an aircraft arriving into Dublin reported a possible drone sighting. A safety report was made and the information was passed to Gardaí, while the Irish Aviation Authority was also notified.
There has been no announcement of an arrest or the identification of anyone who may have been operating the object.
Did it affect flights?
There is no indication that Dublin Airport was closed because of the reported sighting, and there is no indication that the suspected drone caused flight cancellations or disruption at the airport.
Dublin Airport was already experiencing significant disruption on Tuesday because of a separate issue affecting UK air traffic control systems. The reported drone sighting should therefore not be confused with the wider disruption affecting flights that day.
Trump's visit adds to security questions
The report comes just days before US President Donald Trump is due to visit Ireland. Trump is expected to arrive in Dublin on Saturday before travelling to County Clare, where he is due to attend the Irish Open at his Doonbeg resort.
The timing of the reported sighting has raised questions about whether it could be connected to the upcoming visit, although there is currently no evidence to suggest that it is.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said preparations are in place to deal with potential drone threats during the president's visit. He has also said that Ireland has strengthened its counter drone capabilities, while further offshore capabilities are being pursued.
Not the first drone incident
The latest report is not the first time drones have caused security concerns around Dublin during a major international visit. In December 2025, several drones were reported off Dublin Bay around the time Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Ireland.
The latest incident has once again raised questions about how quickly authorities can identify and respond to drones operating near aircraft and other sensitive areas.
For now, there are still several unanswered questions. It is not known who was operating the object, where it came from or what it was doing in the area. Most importantly, authorities have not confirmed that it was actually a drone.
Gardaí and the relevant aviation authorities are continuing to investigate the report.
Dublin Alert will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
