Flights to Spain diverted after drone spotted close to runway

Flights from the UK to Spain were diverted Sunday night after a drone was spotted near runway 12 at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport at around 9pm. Incoming aircraft from London, Birmingham, Bristol and Cork were initially held, and after about 30 minutes without landings, the first diversions were made, primarily to Seville. Spain’s state air navigation manager Enaire said the drone’s approach required a temporary suspension of operations for safety. The disruption lasted more than 50 minutes, during which Eurocontrol recorded a zero “rate,” indicating no landings could be assigned. Eventually, Málaga Airport operator Aena said the Civil Guard ruled out security risks by 9:35pm, allowing operations to return gradually. Eight flights were diverted in total: seven to Seville and one to Alicante.