Jersey Airport hit by second night of drone disruption; flights cancelled and diverted
Unauthorised drone activity forced flight cancellations for a second consecutive night, with police investigating and officials calling for prosecution.
What to know
- Unauthorised drones disrupted Jersey Airport on two consecutive nights (30-31 October), forcing flight cancellations and diversions; authorities ruled out terrorism but believe two or three drones were involved.
- Jersey Rugby Football Club's chartered flight was cancelled after hours on the tarmac, costing the organisation thousands in unanticipated hotel and rebooking expenses.
- Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham warned those responsible face prosecution and announced plans to deploy counter-drone technology and enhanced detection capability in coordination with UK authorities.
- Passengers and businesses expressed frustration; Loganair deployed extra aircraft from Scotland to minimise further disruption and provided accommodation to stranded passengers.
“The government and our operational partners are treating these incidents with the utmost seriousness. Police investigations are ongoing and every available avenue is being pursued to identify those responsible.”
Senator Lyndon Farnham, Chief Minister of Jersey · BBC ↗
Senator Lyndon Farnham Chief Minister of JerseyInspector Rob McCallum States of Jersey PoliceJersey RFC Sports team affected by cancellationsLoganair Airline operating affected routes
How it unfolded 3 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articlesposts
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Jersey government pledges counter-drone technology and prosecution
Chief Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham states the government is working with UK authorities and specialist agencies to deploy enhanced detection capability and counter-drone technology. He characterises drone operation near an airport as neither a prank nor harmless hobby.
“Our airport is a vital lifeline for the island. We will not tolerate behaviour that jeopardises its safe operation or undermines public confidence in our transport infrastructure.”
— Senator Lyndon Farnham -
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What is going on? 👇 Jersey airspace closed for second night after reported drone sighting | ITV News Channel
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Jersey RFC team flight cancelled after hours on tarmac
Jersey RFC's chartered flight from Southampton to Jersey taxied before returning to stand, then was cancelled around 21:30 GMT. The team must rebook on Monday morning, incurring thousands of pounds in additional costs.
“It's been two days in a row now… If there is no further action, they will keep doing it, which is not good.”
— Pacific Basirwe, passenger waiting for family arrival -
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Drones force second night of flight cancellations at Jersey Airport
Jersey Airport reports further drone activity disrupting inbound flights on Saturday evening, marking a second consecutive night of incidents. Inspector Rob McCallum states that two or three drones entered restricted airspace but are not believed linked to terrorism.
“To those responsible, the message is clear: if you are identified, you should expect to face the full consequences of the law.”
— Senator Lyndon Farnham, Chief Minister of Jersey -
first by cedarnews.net, 10d ago · also BBC, Sky News, The Mirror
3 more headlines
- Flights diverted after drones flown near airport BBC · 10d ago
- Flights disrupted after 'illegal and persistent' drone activity near airport Sky News · 10d ago
- UK flights diverted and cancelled after drones flown near Jersey Airport The Mirror · 10d ago
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first by BBC, 9d ago
3 more headlines
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Jersey Airport closes airspace after first drone sighting — Jersey Airport experiences disruption from unauthorised drone activity entering the vicinity of the airfield, forcing cancellation of inbound flights on Friday evening.