Particle.news

Drones Force Diversions and Cancellations at Jersey Airport

A police investigation is under way and officials are liaising with UK authorities to increase detection and explore counter‑drone options.

Overview

  • The incidents, which happened on Friday and again on Saturday, involved unauthorised drones flown into restricted airspace around Jersey Airport and triggered safety protocols that blocked several inbound flights from landing.
  • Operational disruption included multiple diversions and cancellations, with tracking data reported that a British Airways flight returned to London mid‑air and other services were diverted or cancelled.
  • Jersey Police, Honorary Police and Channel Islands Air Search conducted searches across the west of the island but did not find any drone operator and have appealed for public sightings and footage.
  • Officials have opened an active police investigation and said they are working with UK partners to consider extra operational support, ramped‑up detection capability and counter‑drone technology.
  • Passengers faced delays and rebooking as airlines arranged alternatives and authorities continue to clarify the exact number of affected flights amid differing reports.