Jersey Airport said four inbound flights could not land as scheduled on Saturday, October 31, after renewed drone activity disrupted arrivals. The runway closed until 10pm, ITV News understood.
At 20:05, the airport said it was "experiencing disruption. affecting inbound flights as a result of further drone activity in the vicinity of the airfield." Heathrow and Southampton services were cancelled, as was a flight from London Gatwick.
A British Airways flight, BA1356, returned to London, according to flight-tracking service Flightradar24. An inbound charter from Madeira diverted to Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.
The airport later said four flights had been unable to land as scheduled. It said airlines were making arrangements directly with passengers to get them to Jersey as quickly as possible.
Airlines are arranging alternatives, and passengers should check before travelling
The airport asked passengers to check for updates with their airlines. People due to fly to or from the island should confirm their flight status directly with the carrier before setting off.
Airlines are making alternative travel arrangements with affected passengers. The airport said its first priority was the safety of passengers, crew and the public.
Passengers should check their flights and report sightings safely
- Check directly with your airline for the latest flight information before travelling to the airport.
- If you see someone who may be operating a drone, do not approach them. Note the location, what you can see and any vehicle details, then call 999.
- Police want information from anyone who was around St Peter, La Pulente, Watersplash, El Tico, L'Etacq, Jubilee Hill or nearby areas. They are also seeking CCTV, doorbell, dashcam and mobile-phone footage, plus reports of people or vehicles in unusual locations.
- Call States of Jersey Police on 612612, quoting reference M07922/2026. Anonymous information can go to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its online form.
Police said anyone operating a drone in restricted airport airspace without appropriate permission could put aircraft, passengers, crew and people on the ground at risk. Operators are responsible for knowing where they can fly and complying with aviation restrictions. Officers also reminded people that suitable qualifications or paperwork may be required.
Delays left passengers diverted and Jersey RFC facing extra costs
Jersey RFC said its team’s flight home from Southampton was cancelled. The flight taxied, returned to the stand and remained there for hours before the cancellation at about 21:30 GMT.
The club said the group booking could not be rebooked that day because it was half-term and there were not enough seats. The team had to arrange a new flight from Southampton for Monday morning. The club said the unexpected hotel costs and other expenses would run into “thousands and thousands of pounds.”
Passengers including the squad were held on the runway at Gatwick for four hours before being told the flight would not depart. The club said the disruption carried financial and physical consequences beyond what it called a “bit of fun.”
Iselin Jones, director of Jersey’s The Moorings Hotel, was returning from Madeira when her flight diverted to Paris. She said the aircraft was descending when passengers were told the airport had closed and they would probably divert.
“After holding for 10 to 15 minutes and circling at Jersey that is indeed what happened.”
Jones said she was due to return on a rescheduled flight at 20:00. Pacific Basirwe, who was waiting for his wife and young son to arrive from Heathrow, called for drone operators to be regulated and prosecuted. “If there is no further action, they will keep doing it, which is not good,” he said.
Inspector Rob McCallum said police believed “two or three” drones had entered restricted airspace. Police did not think the incidents were linked to terrorism.
Officials reviewed the response as Friday’s disruption set the pattern
The first reports came on Friday, October 30, at around 8.20pm. Three inbound aircraft were diverted, with further drone reports continuing until approximately 10.30pm.
A Gatwick service, reportedly operated by easyJet, later landed safely in Jersey at around 11.45pm after the airport stayed open to receive it. The Heathrow and Southampton flights were cancelled.
Police and partner agencies searched several areas in the west of the island but had not identified an operator. The response included the States and Honorary Police, Channel Islands Air Search, government colleagues and Ports of Jersey staff.
McCallum said a drone in restricted airspace risked the safety of pilots, passengers and crew and disrupted air travel. Police also appealed to people who saw drones, possible operators or unusual activity in the named areas to share information.
Chief Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham said operating a drone near an airport was “not a prank or a harmless hobby.” He warned that anyone identified should expect the full consequences of the law.
Farnham said the government was working with UK authorities and specialist agencies on operational support, enhanced detection capability and counter-drone technology. He said the airport remained safe and thanked Ports of Jersey, States of Jersey Police, Air Traffic Control, emergency services and others for their response.
On Sunday, police said government officials and operational partners had met to review the response. Discussions with UK counterparts and specialist agencies were under way about additional support and capability.
Police say Sunday preparations are still under way
Officials were working on measures to reduce the risk of more disruption and limit passenger impacts if further reports came in Sunday evening. Police said the investigation was seeking to establish who was responsible and the circumstances behind the incidents.
“Agencies will remain vigilant and prepared to respond.”
The police statement urged islanders to stay alert and not approach anyone they believed was operating a drone.
