An Aer Lingus pilot reported a suspected drone passing approximately 20 metres from his aircraft during its descent towards Dublin Airport on Saturday evening.
The aircraft was flying at around 3,200 feet over Dublin Bay, near Howth, shortly after 18:15 when the pilot observed a red object close to the left side of the plane. He immediately notified air traffic control.
AirNav Ireland alerted following aircraft and reported the sighting to Gardaí and other relevant authorities. One crew approaching on the same track agreed to continue while monitoring the area, while another chose an alternative approach route.
Four subsequent aircraft used the original route without reporting further sightings. Airport operations appear to have continued normally.
Gardaí have opened an investigation, while Aer Lingus confirmed that it was aware of the incident. Aviation sources warned that, if the object was a drone, its proximity to the aircraft represented a significant safety risk. A recreational drone operating at 3,200 feet would have been well above permitted limits.
It was the second suspected drone sighting reported by a pilot approaching Dublin Airport in less than two weeks.