Flights at Jersey airport were prevented from landing on Friday and Saturday after several drone sightings near the airfield, causing disruption for passengers.
The airport on the English Channel said arriving flights were blocked from landing due to the 'illegal and persistent' drone activity. A British Airways flight BA1356 from Heathrow was forced to return to London mid-air on Saturday evening, according to tracking website Flightradar24. An ASL Airlines flight from Funchal, Portugal, was diverted to Paris, and a Loganair service from Southampton to Jersey was cancelled.
Airport statement on drone activity
Jersey Airport said: 'Due to the illegal and persistent drone activity around the airport on Saturday evening, regrettably four flights were not able to land as scheduled.'
'Airlines are now making alternative travel arrangements directly with passengers to get them to Jersey as quickly as possible.'
One Jersey resident stuck on a diverted flight said she had been prevented from getting home to her two dogs. She said: 'Just had my flight diverted back to Heathrow because some imbeciles are flying 4 drones around near Jersey airport.'
Chief minister condemns drone operation
Jersey's chief minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, said: 'The deliberate and unlawful operation of drones in the vicinity of Jersey Airport over the past two evenings has caused significant disruption to passengers, airlines and airport operations.'
He thanked teams from Ports of Jersey, States of Jersey Police, Air Traffic Control and the emergency services for their response, adding: 'Their first priority has rightly been the safety of the travelling public and aircrew.'
A police investigation is ongoing. Options are being explored with UK authorities for extra operational support, ramped-up detection capability and counter-drone technology, Farnham said. He added: 'Operating a drone close to an airport is not a prank or a harmless hobby. It puts public safety at risk, disrupts critical transport infrastructure and can have significant consequences for hundreds of travellers and businesses. To those responsible, the message is clear: if you are identified, you should expect to face the full consequences of the law.'
Passengers due to fly today are urged to check with their airline on the status of their flight.
