Three flights traveling from the UK to Jersey were diverted on Friday, October 30, after reported unauthorized drone activity near one of Jersey Airport’s runways, according to ITV News. A Loganair service from Southampton, a British Airways flight from London Heathrow and an easyJet flight from London Gatwick were all scheduled to land that evening.
The aircraft were prevented from landing while the reported activity was being recorded in the area. Reports began at 8:20 pm local time, with further incidents logged through 10:30 pm local time. The three flights returned to the UK, although the easyJet service later landed shortly before midnight after the airport remained open late for passengers.
Police seek witnesses near the airport
Jersey Police are investigating the reports and have asked members of the public to provide information about anyone they may have seen operating drones near St Peter, La Pulente, Watersplash, El Tico, L’Etacq and Jubilee Hill on Friday evening. The force also wants to receive dashcam or CCTV footage that could assist its inquiries.
The reported activity affected aircraft approaching an airport during the arrival phase, when a drone can create an immediate airspace-safety concern even if its operator and location have not been identified. The disruption demonstrates the operational effect of an unverified sighting: aircraft were diverted while authorities dealt with the reported risk, and passengers faced delays and changes to their planned journeys.
Unauthorized operations are prohibited
Jersey Airport states that flying drones in restricted airspace without prior permission from air traffic control is illegal. Those restrictions are intended to protect aircraft during takeoff, landing and other airport operations. The incident therefore involves both an aviation-security response and a potential investigation into unauthorized operation in protected airspace.
- Three flights were diverted back to the UK after the reported drone activity.
- Further reports were logged until 10:30 pm local time on October 30.
- Jersey Police are seeking witnesses and video from six areas near the airport.
ITV News reported that the easyJet aircraft eventually landed shortly before midnight, after Jersey Airport stayed open late. The report did not identify the number of drones involved or the people responsible. Police are asking anyone who saw suspicious activity or people in the listed areas to contact them with information or recordings.
For airport operators and airspace users, the episode highlights how reports of unauthorized drones can interrupt scheduled traffic before an operator is located or the circumstances are fully established. The immediate confirmed consequence was the diversion of the three services and the later decision to keep the airport open for the returning passengers.
