Drone activity disrupts Jersey Airport flights for second night

Unauthorised drone activity disrupted flights at Jersey Airport for a second consecutive night, with all late-evening arrivals cancelled on Saturday and police investigating who was responsible.

The airport said at 20:05 that further drone activity near the airfield was affecting inbound flights. Inspector Rob McCallum said police believed two or three drones had entered restricted airspace, but did not think the incidents were linked to terrorism.

Passengers and airport workers described the disruption as frustrating. Pacific Basirwe was waiting for his wife and young son to arrive from Heathrow when their flight was cancelled. Taxi driver Richard De La Haye said the uncertainty left drivers waiting without knowing whether passengers would arrive.

Jersey Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said the government was working with UK authorities and specialist agencies to explore additional operational support, improved detection and counter-drone technology. He said the airport remained safe and that police were pursuing every available avenue to identify those responsible.

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incidents to come forward.