6 Air Arabia flights diverted due to suspected drone activity

Sharjah - The situation came to light after a passenger took to Twitter announcing the diversion.

 About six Air Arabia flights were diverted away from the Sharjah International Airport to Ras Al Khaimah on Thursday, November 28, due to suspected drone activity in the area. The diversions to RAK Airport took place between 7:00 am and 9:00 am, confirmed Sharjah Airport authorities.
Calls to Sharjah Airport confirmed that flights were diverted, however, airport authorities refused to confirm that the incident took place due to suspected drone activity.
 "Due to suspected drone activity, a few Air Arabia flights were diverted from Sharjah International Airport this morning to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. The operations were resorted to normal shortly afterwards," an Air Arabia spokesperson said. 
The situation came to light after an Air Arabia passenger took to Twitter announcing the diversion. @Beltrew tweeted, "Hearing there is suspected drone activity over #Sharjah airport? Anyone have more info? Just had to land at Ras Al Khaimah instead of Sharjah airport which is closed apparently due to drones flying above it... crew saying all planes have been diverted for now. #UAE"
Khaleej Times reached out to Air Arabia for an official statement, however, the airline refused to comment on the matter. Civil Aviation Authorities refused comments on the matter as well. Unauthorized drone activity can lead to hefty fines amounting to Dh 20,000 and they cannot be flown within 5kms of an airport.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah