Jersey Airport faced a second consecutive evening of disruption on Saturday, 31 October, after reports of unauthorised drone activity near the airfield affected inbound flights. Four aircraft were unable to land as scheduled, and airlines arranged alternative travel for passengers. Police are investigating and believe two or three drones entered restricted airspace; the activity was not thought to be terrorism-related. Late-evening arrivals were cancelled as the disruption continued.
The airport reported the latest disruption at 20:05, describing further drone activity in the vicinity of the airfield. Authorities have not identified those responsible, and the full outcome for Saturday’s affected flights has not been detailed.
The incident followed reports of drone activity on Friday evening. Police received the first report at about 20:20, with further activity reported until around 22:30. Three inbound aircraft were initially diverted; one later landed in Jersey, while the other two services were cancelled. Searches in several areas of the island’s west had not identified an operator.
Jersey Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham warned that flying a drone near an airport was not harmless and that those responsible could face legal consequences. Police have appealed for information as investigations into both evenings’ incidents continue.