A police investigation is ongoing after the ‘persistent’ drone sightings near Jersey airport (Picture: Richard Sowersby/
Flights have been disrupted at Jersey airport after several drone sightings prevented planes from landing.
The major airport on the English Channel was affected by ‘illegal’ drones being flown near the airfield on Friday and Saturday.
Arriving flights were blocked from landing, causing chaos for passengers.
A British Airways flight BA1356 from Heathrow yesterday
A British Airways flight BA1356 from Heathrow yesterday evening was forced to return to London mid-air, according to tracking website Flightradar24.
Another plane, ASL Airlines from Funchal, Portugal, was diverted to Paris, while a Loganair from Southampton to Jersey was cancelled.
Jersey Airport said: ‘Due to the illegal and persistent drone activity around the airport on Saturday evening, regrettably four flights were not able to land as scheduled.
‘Airlines are now making alternative travel arrangements directly
‘Airlines are now making alternative travel arrangements directly with passengers to get them to Jersey as quickly as possible.’
One Jersey resident stuck on a diverted flight had been prevented from getting home to her two dogs.
She said: ‘Just had my flight diverted back to Heathrow because some imbeciles are flying 4 drones around near Jersey airport.’
The airport confirmed previously it was experiencing ‘disruption
The airport confirmed previously it was experiencing ‘disruption at Jersey Airport affecting inbound flights as a result of further drone activity in the vicinity of the airfield.’
Passengers due to fly today are urged to check with the airline on the status of their flight.
Jersey’s chief minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, commented on the incident: ‘The deliberate and unlawful operation of drones in the vicinity of Jersey Airport over the past two evenings has caused significant disruption to passengers, airlines and airport operations.
‘I would like to thank the teams
‘I would like to thank the teams from Ports of Jersey, States of Jersey Police, Air Traffic Control, the emergency services and all those involved for their swift and professional response to an extremely challenging situation.
‘Their first priority has rightly been the safety of the travelling public and aircrew.’
A police investigation is ongoing, and options are being explored with UK authorities for extra operational support, ramped-up detection capability and counter-drone technology, he said.
He added: ‘Operating a drone close to an airport is not a prank or a harmless hobby. It puts public safety at risk, disrupts critical transport infrastructure and can have significant consequences for hundreds of travellers and businesses.
‘To those responsible, the message is clear: if
‘To those responsible, the message is clear: if you are identified, you should expect to face the full consequences of the law.’
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