Drone Sightings Cause Flight Disruptions at Jersey Airport Over Two Evenings

Unauthorized drone activity near Jersey Airport caused flight disruptions across two consecutive evenings, according to reports by Travel Radar, Silicon UK, and StreamlineFeed. Travel Radar reported that the initial sightings began on the evening of Friday, October 30, between roughly 8:20 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. local time. The incident resulted in inbound flight diversions, delayed landings, and flight cancellations. [1][5][6]

Travel Radar reported that three inbound aircraft were initially forced to divert during the disruption. These included flights arriving from Southampton Airport, London Heathrow Airport, and London Gatwick Airport. [1]

Police are currently investigating the unauthorized drone incursions, according to Travel Radar and StreamlineFeed. StreamlineFeed added that the illegal drone activity triggered the deployment of the Royal Air Force. Authorities are evaluating further measures to enhance security around the airport airspace. [1][6]

Gatwick Airport experienced a similar event between December 19 and December 21, 2018, when reports of drone sightings near the runway led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights. That earlier disruption impacted 140,000 passengers and 1,000 flights, marking the largest operational shutdown at Gatwick Airport since the Icelandic volcano eruptions in 2010. [9]