Flights diverted after drones flown near airport

Flights were diverted and cancelled due to "unauthorised drone activity" near an airport.

Jersey Airport said three flights were diverted back to the UK because of drones flying in the airport's restricted airspace on Friday evening.

States of Jersey Police said it responded to the incident 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 but no drone operator has yet been identified.

Flights due to arrive from London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Southampton were diverted. The Gatwick flight eventually arrived but the services from Heathrow and Southampton were cancelled.

A spokesperson for Jersey Police said: "We should not underestimate the impact that this had on travelling passengers, staff at the airport and the wider community.

"The reported drone activity occurred within restricted airspace and active flight paths, resulting in significant disruption to airport operations and passengers.

"Three inbound aircraft were initially diverted. One of the three was ultimately able to land safely in Jersey at around 23:45 GMT.

" Passengers experienced considerable delays and inconvenience while agencies worked to ensure the safety of aircraft, passengers and crew.

The police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the St Peter, La Pulente, Watersplash, El Tico, L'Etacq, Jubilee Hill or surrounding areas and saw any drone activity.

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