Second night of drone disruption at Jersey Airport
Jersey Airport faced a second consecutive night of disruption after further drone activity was reported near the airfield.
By BBC News
Jersey Airport faced a second consecutive night of disruption after further drone activity was reported near the airfield.
The airport said at 20:05 on Saturday that the activity was affecting inbound flights. Several services were cancelled or diverted as a result.
Flights from London Heathrow, Southampton and Gatwick were among those affected. An inbound charter flight from Madeira was also diverted to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, according to reports.
Jersey Airport said four flights had been unable to land as scheduled because of what it described as “illegal and persistent drone activity”. Airlines were making alternative travel arrangements directly with passengers.
The disruption followed reports of drones operating near the airport on Friday evening. Three inbound aircraft were initially diverted, with one later landing safely in Jersey at about 23:45. The other two flights were cancelled.
States of Jersey Police are investigating the incidents. Inspector Rob McCallum said officers believed two or three drones had entered restricted airspace, but there was no indication that the activity was linked to terrorism.
Police carried out searches in several areas in the west of Jersey after the first reports, but no operator had been identified. Officers have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Passengers due to travel were advised to check directly with their airline for the latest flight information.