Gatwick drone warning ahead of Christmas break

The boss of Gatwick Airport is urging those who receive drones for Christmas to read the rules before flying, on the sixth anniversary of when the airport was brought to a standstill following a drone sighting over the runway.

It comes as 368 unauthorised drone sightings were reported within flight restriction zone (FRZ) in West Sussex between 1 January and 13 December 2024.

The National Police Chiefs' Council has told the BBC that plans were being worked on for police officers to have the power to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone misusing a drone.

Mark Johnston, the airport's chief operating officer, says investigating reported drone sightings causes disruption and is a "drain on resources".

He says there is "usually no malice" behind the incidents.

"The impact is huge and safety is our number one priority. We can't take any chances," he said.

The airport is advising drone pilots: "When you fly a drone, it's your responsibility to be aware of the rules that are in place.

"This will allow you to ensure that everyone stays safe.

"It's a criminal act to break what is classed as a no-fly zone, as lives can be put at risk and you could be prosecuted."

The British Airline Pilots' Association (Balpa) says it wants to see all drone owners register their devices with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and familiarise themselves with the CAA's drone code.

Stuart Clarke, a flight safety advisor for Balpa, says pilots are increasingly reporting spotting drones near airports across the country.

He said: "Drones and aircraft don't mix at all.

"A drone that is too close might hit the airplane, and when the engines are going at max power, they might be sucked into the engines, and that really can't afford to happen.

"Drone operators are aviators, please go and read the rules, educate yourself and we can all fly safely alongside each other."

A CAA spokesperson said: “Anyone operating a drone must do so responsibly and follow our drone code, which is designed to keep all airspace users safe."

They said anyone breaking the rules could face unlimited fines and a prison sentence.

• It is illegal to fly a drone within an airport's 5km (3.1 miles) restricted airspace without permission.
• Anyone operating a drone that weighs 250 grams (8.8 ounces) or more, or one fitted with a camera, has to register with the CAA.
• Those with drones weighing more than 250g must also pass a competency test on the CAA website.
• A drone must be kept within line of sight.
• A drone must be flown with a maximum height restriction of 120m (400ft) unless appropriate authorisation is given.

Source: Civil Aviation Authority

Gatwick Airport was brought to a standstill for nearly 30 hours in 2018, with no take-offs or landings due to a suspected drone sighting.

About 1,000 flights were disrupted, causing chaos for 140,000 affected travellers.

Sussex Police said the "extensive investigation" was closed and no one was prosecuted.

In January this year, a pilot suspected a drone had come within 1.5m (5ft) of a passenger Airbus A321 as it was flying at nearly 3,000m (10,000ft) above Sevenoaks in Kent.

Earlier this year, an enthusiast was fined after flying his drone so high he caused the Royal Air Force to divert flights near Boston, Lincolnshire.

In May 2023, a dozen inbound flights were diverted to other airports when a suspected drone was seen close to the airfield.

Last year, a pilot said a drone came close to the British Airways Boeing 787 he was flying over Windsor in Berkshire.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance pilots have warned that they are seeing more people fly drones over accident sites. During one incident in Bath, they only narrowly avoided a drone as they were coming in to land.

Graham Brown , the chair of the UK drone association, ARPAS-UK, said more information should be available at the point of sale.

He said: "We've got to educate people, so they know what they shouldn't be doing.

"If we're going to try and stop this it's got to be stopped at cause."

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “It is important drone operators act within the rules to keep our skies safe.

"We continue to work with the industry and police to ensure those who break the law can face tough penalties.”

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