Jersey Airport hit by drone disruption for a second night

Jersey Airport suffered a second evening of disruption on Saturday 31 October after further drone activity was reported near the airfield, according to AeroTime. Four flights were unable to land as scheduled, the airport said, and passengers on routes from London and Southampton were affected.

What happened on Saturday

AeroTime reports that an inbound charter flight from Madeira was diverted to Paris Charles de Gaulle, citing ITV News. Flights from London Gatwick and London Heathrow faced lengthy delays, while the 8.30 pm Loganair service from Southampton was cancelled.

In a statement on Saturday evening, Jersey Airport blamed what it called "illegal and persistent drone activity" around the airport. It added that airlines were arranging alternative travel plans directly with affected passengers.

Friday evening incidents

The disruption followed a similar episode on Friday 30 October, when three inbound aircraft were diverted after reports of drones near the airport. According to AeroTime, police received the first report at around 8.20 pm UTC, with further reports continuing until about 10.30 pm UTC.

The affected flights were operated by British Airways from Heathrow, Loganair from Southampton and easyJet from Gatwick. All three were initially diverted, though police said one later landed in Jersey at about 11.45 pm UTC.

Response from authorities

A multi-agency response involved States of Jersey Police, the Honorary Police, Channel Islands Air Search, the Government of Jersey and Ports of Jersey staff. Searches were carried out in several areas in the west of the island, but no drone operators had been identified at the time of the latest police update.

Chief Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham described the incidents over the two evenings as deliberate and unlawful. He said the government was working with UK authorities and specialist agencies on additional operational support, improved detection and counter-drone technology.

What this means for travellers

• Check your flight status with your airline before leaving for Jersey Airport, particularly for evening arrivals and departures.
• Both nights of disruption occurred in the evening, though the sources do not say whether further disruption is expected.
• Airlines are contacting affected passengers directly about alternative arrangements, so make sure your booking contact details are correct.
• Diversions, as seen with the Madeira charter to Paris, can mean passengers land away from their intended destination.

It is not yet clear who is responsible for the drone activity or what measures will be in place to prevent further disruption.

Sources: AeroTime