Engineers have identified the fault in the landing system at Cork Airport that required 17 flights to divert to other airports last week.
It is hoped there will be no further disruptions to flights. However, it may be later this week before the system is fully repaired and tested.
The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is one of a number of systems used by pilots to help them line up for their landing.
Cork Airport’s four runways each have their own ILS but only Runway 17 was affected by the recent fault. This runway is used by planes coming into Cork from a northerly direction over Wilton. It is used when southerly winds prevail.
Runway 35 which is used by planes coming in from the south over Ballygarvan is not affected. Because of the fault the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) withdrew Runway 17’s ILS from service as the manufacturer tried to locate the reason for the malfunction. Following extensive testing and analysis throughout the weekend, IAA technical experts have identified the fault and are currently correcting it. As a result, the majority of the flights should be able to proceed as normal, as the IAA is now able to allow Category 1 operations, which covers the majority of operations. In the event of very low lying fog, cloud or mist, there may be some disruptions, as the IAA will be unable to restore the Category 2 operations, which cover these circumstances, until later in the week. Incoming flights using the other runways and outgoing flights are not affected.