Drones were spotted near Zelenskyy flight path to Dublin before state visit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is welcomed by Ireland's President Catherine Connolly as they arrive at Áras an Úachtaráin during his visit to Ireland. Picture: Brian Lawless/Reuters

An Irish navy ship spotted up to five drones operating near the flight path of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy's aircraft as he arrived for a state visit to Ireland on Monday, local media reported on Thursday.

The sighting triggered a major security alert amid fears it was an attempt to interfere with the flight path, the Irish Times reported. It quoted unnamed sources as saying the aircraft, which arrived slightly early, was not in any danger.