Jersey Airport said three flights were diverted after unauthorised drones entered restricted airspace on Friday evening, disrupting Jersey Airport drone disruption flights bound for the island. One aircraft later landed safely at around 23:45 GMT, while two services were cancelled.
London Gatwick, Heathrow and Southampton
Flights due from London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Southampton were affected. Jersey Police said: "Three inbound aircraft were initially diverted. One of the three was ultimately able to land safely in Jersey at around 23:45 GMT."
The Gatwick flight eventually arrived. The services from Heathrow and Southampton were cancelled, leaving three inbound aircraft in all at the centre of the disruption.
Jersey Police and airport staff
States of Jersey Police responded with the Honorary Police, Channel Islands Air Search, Government of Jersey colleagues and Ports of Jersey staff. Searches were carried out across several areas in the west of the island as the airport dealt with the impact on arriving traffic.
Jersey Police said: "The reported drone activity occurred within restricted airspace and active flight paths, resulting in significant disruption to airport operations and passengers." The same spokesperson added: "Passengers experienced considerable delays and inconvenience while agencies worked to ensure the safety of aircraft, passengers and crew."
St Peter and nearby areas
No drone operator has yet been identified. Jersey Police asked anyone in St Peter, La Pulente, Watersplash, El Tico, L'Etacq, Jubilee Hill or surrounding areas who saw any drone activity to come forward.
"We should not underestimate the impact that this had on travelling passengers, staff at the airport and the wider community," the spokesperson said, after the incident had already left one of the three aircraft on the ground and two services off the board.
