Unauthorized drone activity near Jersey Airport (JER) disrupted inbound flights on two consecutive evenings, resulting in diversions, delayed landings and cancellations. The incidents prompted a multi-agency response, with police investigating the activity and authorities considering additional measures to strengthen airspace security.
Flight Disruption
Drone sightings were first reported to police on Friday evening, October 30, between approximately 8:20 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. local time. Three inbound aircraft were initially diverted, including services from Southampton (SOU), London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW).
The easyJet flight from Gatwick eventually landed safely in Jersey at 11:43 p.m., after the airport extended its operating hours. However, the flights from Heathrow and Southampton were cancelled.
Disruption resumed on Saturday evening, October 31, when the airport reported further drone activity affecting inbound flights at approximately 8:05 p.m. Four flights were unable to land as scheduled. Flights from Heathrow, Southampton and Gatwick were cancelled, while a charter flight from Madeira diverted to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), according to ITV News.
Across both evenings, seven flights were affected in total.
This caused disruption for passengers and local organisations. Jersey RFC stated that they will incur thousands of pounds in extra costs for the cancellation of their team’s flight to Southampton. Loganair confirmed that they did provide overnight accommodation for affected passengers and flew extra aircraft from Scotland to ensure early morning flights were still running.
Police Investigation
The States of Jersey Police are investigating the incidents and believe that two or three drones entered the restricted airspace on Saturday evening, according to Inspector Rob McCallum. Police do not believe the activity was linked to terrorism.
Officers have appealed to the public for information, particularly from residents in the west of the island who may have witnessed unusual activity or captured relevant footage using CCTV, doorbell cameras or mobile phones. Areas mentioned in the appeal include St Peter, La Pulente and L’Etacq.
Police have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist the investigation.
Government Response & Anti-Drone Technology
Jersey’s Chief Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham condemned the incidents, describing the operation of a drone near an airport as “not a prank or a harmless hobby”. He warned that those identified as responsible should expect to face “the full consequences of the law”.
The Government of Jersey is working with UK authorities and specialist agencies to consider further operational support, improved detection and anti-drone technology.
On Sunday, November 1, government representatives and relevant agencies met to review the response and consider measures to reduce the risk of further disruption. The authorities also emphasized the importance of protecting passengers and maintaining the island’s air connections.
What do you think airports should do to avoid drone disruption? Let us know in the comments below.
