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Gatwick airport disruption: army in talks with police as drone chaos continues – live Gatwick airport disruption: military to be deployed as drone chaos continues – live
(35 minutes later)
Downing Street has announced that a “cross-Whitehall meeting of officials” has been taking place from 3pm about the Gatwick situation. It has been held in the Cabinet Office briefings rooms, though it is not formally a Cobra meeting, the name of the civil contingencies committee which takes its acronym from these rooms.
May’s spokesman said:
The point of those meetings is to bring together all of the officials from all the relevant departments in one place so you have an accurate picture of events and make sure that all available resources are being deployed. This is a serious incident, it’s causing widespread disruption for passengers. The intention, obviously, is that it should brought to a close as soon as possible.
Officials involved came from the Department for Transport, police, and the Home Office civil contingencies secretariat, among others, he said. May was being “regularly updated” on the situation.
On legislative responses to the situation, the spokesman said that a consultation into what further steps could be taken to curb drone misuse had recently closed, with a response due “very early in the New Year”. New laws could then follow.
May’s spokesman said he had nothing to say on the use of military.
The defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, told Sky News:
Sussex Police have requested assistance and support from the armed forces and we will be deploying the armed forces to give them the help that they need to deal with the situation with the drones at Gatwick Airport.
It goes to demonstrate how our armed forces are always there ready to support the civilian authorities.
When asked what the armed forces’ role would be, Williamson said:
That is not something we can reveal. We are there to assist and do everything we can.
Eurocontrol now says Gatwick won’t open before 8pm at the earliest.
By the early afternoon, Gatwick’s coffee shops were beginning to run out of food, yet remained full of dozens of weary travellers. Groups clustered around power points, some laughing and joking in solidarity, others staring into glowing portals of escapism.
Messages on the airport’s Tannoy system told them precisely nothing: the uncertainty continued. Zak Morgan, 20, a computer science student at UCL, had been waiting since 8.45pm on Wednesday for what should have been a 30-minute flight to Paris. He had made it on board, only to sit there for hours before getting off.
The journey was rescheduled via Barcelona, due to depart at 3pm - which would have extended it to six hours. But before that could happen that flight was also cancelled. “Every hour they have been changing the flight times, so instead of saying go home, they’ve been telling us to stay,” Morgan said.
"Every hour they've been changing the flight times, so instead of telling us to go home they've been telling us to stay." Zak Morgan, 20, a computer science student at UCL, has been waiting at #Gatwick since 8.45pm for a 30-min flight to Paris pic.twitter.com/macjhpMMBQ
Oz Demirkol, 26, was waiting for a flight home to Oslo for Christmas. She said:
We arrived at 9.30am because our initial flight was at 11.35am. That got cancelled and now we have rebooked another flight and we’re waiting for that - but now the Eurocontrol are saying there are no flights until 7pm.
Despite the long wait and overcrowding Demirkol, like many other passengers, did not feel angry.
To be honest there is very little to feel angry about. It’s not in anyone’s control, we are just waiting for it to be solved. I don’t think that it’s time to be frustrated. I’m just waiting to see what happens. It’s a security issue, it’s nothing about their ability to plan or organise, or manage demand or supply; it’s about something that’s out of everyone’s control. So it’s good that people aren’t being rash about it, because people have been working really all day around the airport.
The defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, has just told reporters that the armed forces will be deployed at Gatwick although he has declined to specify in what capacity.
BREAKING: Gavin Williamson has just confirmed to me & other reporters: “We will be deploying the armed forces” at #Gatwick, who will use “unique military capability” to help in the drone crisis. Declines to give any further detail about what military will or can do.
With every cloud comes a silver lining ...although tell that to those stranded at Gatwick.With every cloud comes a silver lining ...although tell that to those stranded at Gatwick.
Sally Pavey, of local campaign group Cagne - Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions told the Guardian’s transport correspondent, Gwyn Topham, that she had sympathy for stranded passengers and did “not condone people doing such irresponsible acts”. But she added:Sally Pavey, of local campaign group Cagne - Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions told the Guardian’s transport correspondent, Gwyn Topham, that she had sympathy for stranded passengers and did “not condone people doing such irresponsible acts”. But she added:
The tranquillity was delightful to enjoy. Not a lot of concern is giving to people suffering aircraft noise and it does push people to extremes. People jetting off on holiday should once in a while consider the impact they are having on the people on the ground.The tranquillity was delightful to enjoy. Not a lot of concern is giving to people suffering aircraft noise and it does push people to extremes. People jetting off on holiday should once in a while consider the impact they are having on the people on the ground.
People were able to sleep last night because there weren’t aircraft booming off over their head. Gatwick impacts people’s lives.People were able to sleep last night because there weren’t aircraft booming off over their head. Gatwick impacts people’s lives.
The Ministry of Defence said it is in talks about sending military personnel to Gatwick to help resolve the impasse.The Ministry of Defence said it is in talks about sending military personnel to Gatwick to help resolve the impasse.
An MoD spokesperson said:An MoD spokesperson said:
There are ongoing discussions with the police about any military capability that could be provided to assist with their operation.There are ongoing discussions with the police about any military capability that could be provided to assist with their operation.
Renata Alinta, 50, was sat on the floor waiting with her three sons, aged nine, eight and six, in south terminal, after arriving via a circuitous route from Northern Ireland. They were aiming for a flight to the Dominican Republic, where they hope to spend Christmas.Renata Alinta, 50, was sat on the floor waiting with her three sons, aged nine, eight and six, in south terminal, after arriving via a circuitous route from Northern Ireland. They were aiming for a flight to the Dominican Republic, where they hope to spend Christmas.
Her original flight from Belfast to Gatwick had been cancelled, but after BA told her that her flight to the Caribbean was still likely to depart she had paid for another flight to Stansted, then taken a cab to West Sussex in the hopes she could still catch it. The detour had cost her an extra £430. She said:Her original flight from Belfast to Gatwick had been cancelled, but after BA told her that her flight to the Caribbean was still likely to depart she had paid for another flight to Stansted, then taken a cab to West Sussex in the hopes she could still catch it. The detour had cost her an extra £430. She said:
We’ve been waiting since 5am for information and we don’t know if it [the flight] is going to be cancelled. This is our first holiday to the Caribbean and everybody is upset … There are no places to sit, so we are just relaxing. We can’t even get food because people are sitting down in all the cafes.We’ve been waiting since 5am for information and we don’t know if it [the flight] is going to be cancelled. This is our first holiday to the Caribbean and everybody is upset … There are no places to sit, so we are just relaxing. We can’t even get food because people are sitting down in all the cafes.
Despite the hardships, she said she had had good help and support as she tried to rush her three boys around on their journey. Now the two younger boys were rolling about on the floor in frustration, while the eldest, who was suffering from a cold, dozed with his head in her lap.Despite the hardships, she said she had had good help and support as she tried to rush her three boys around on their journey. Now the two younger boys were rolling about on the floor in frustration, while the eldest, who was suffering from a cold, dozed with his head in her lap.
"This is our first holiday to the Caribbean and everybody is upset." Renata Alinta, 50, from Belfast, with her three sons - aged nine, eight and six. She spent an extra £430 taking a detour to Gatwick after @British_Airways said her flight would still depart. pic.twitter.com/ZzVATF3t1y"This is our first holiday to the Caribbean and everybody is upset." Renata Alinta, 50, from Belfast, with her three sons - aged nine, eight and six. She spent an extra £430 taking a detour to Gatwick after @British_Airways said her flight would still depart. pic.twitter.com/ZzVATF3t1y
Nearby, Tyreese Joseph-Scott, 16, sat with his younger sibling waiting for his family to return with food. They had a flight booked for a Christmas getaway to Montego Bay, Jamaica. He had been at Gatwick since 8.30am, and had no idea when he and his family might get to board a plane. “It’s a shambles,” he said. Asked what he thought of those operating the drones that had disabled the airport, he said: “They’re just stupid, they’re doing it on purpose, clearly.”Nearby, Tyreese Joseph-Scott, 16, sat with his younger sibling waiting for his family to return with food. They had a flight booked for a Christmas getaway to Montego Bay, Jamaica. He had been at Gatwick since 8.30am, and had no idea when he and his family might get to board a plane. “It’s a shambles,” he said. Asked what he thought of those operating the drones that had disabled the airport, he said: “They’re just stupid, they’re doing it on purpose, clearly.”
I’ve just been speaking to Tom Chamberlain, head of general aviation and aerospace at Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty, London (AGCS), which provides corporate and specialty insurance. A pilot himself, he said the whole of the industry is watching what’s going on at Gatwick with intense interest.I’ve just been speaking to Tom Chamberlain, head of general aviation and aerospace at Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty, London (AGCS), which provides corporate and specialty insurance. A pilot himself, he said the whole of the industry is watching what’s going on at Gatwick with intense interest.
He said anti-drone technology such as big net guns could take a drone down and there have even been experiments training hawks and eagles to take out drones but there is still a lot of debate about what method or technology is most effective.He said anti-drone technology such as big net guns could take a drone down and there have even been experiments training hawks and eagles to take out drones but there is still a lot of debate about what method or technology is most effective.
Most drone operators are operating within the correct regulations and boundaries, he says, and laws in the UK have been tightened in particular this year, “so that you’re not allowed to fly above 400 ft and you’re not allowed to fly within one kilometre of an airport boundary. But clearly there are still some people who are blissfully unaware of these rules or are just flaunting them because they can.”Most drone operators are operating within the correct regulations and boundaries, he says, and laws in the UK have been tightened in particular this year, “so that you’re not allowed to fly above 400 ft and you’re not allowed to fly within one kilometre of an airport boundary. But clearly there are still some people who are blissfully unaware of these rules or are just flaunting them because they can.”
While it’s possible to hijack someone else’s drone, he said it is unlikely that that is what has happened in the current case.While it’s possible to hijack someone else’s drone, he said it is unlikely that that is what has happened in the current case.
Give that the technology is relatively cheap, if you wanted to use a drone for nefarious purposes it’s going to be much easier to buy one off the shelf for a couple of grand. What the purpose of what they’re doing there is, is another matter. It’s a strange place to be flying particularly at that time of night so it seems a little odd that they’d be doing that.Give that the technology is relatively cheap, if you wanted to use a drone for nefarious purposes it’s going to be much easier to buy one off the shelf for a couple of grand. What the purpose of what they’re doing there is, is another matter. It’s a strange place to be flying particularly at that time of night so it seems a little odd that they’d be doing that.
He welcomes the introduction from next year of the need for owners to register their drones, though says this has been the practice in Australia and Germany for some time.He welcomes the introduction from next year of the need for owners to register their drones, though says this has been the practice in Australia and Germany for some time.
The UK could also take a leaf out of Australia’s book by having a “a central system where you have to submit the job you’re doing with your drone to the central authorities before you’re even allowed to do it”, although that would not apply to personal operators, which those behind the Gatwick drones are likely to be.The UK could also take a leaf out of Australia’s book by having a “a central system where you have to submit the job you’re doing with your drone to the central authorities before you’re even allowed to do it”, although that would not apply to personal operators, which those behind the Gatwick drones are likely to be.
In Germany, he says, there’s a requirement for everyone to have insurance “regardless of whether you’re a commercial a recreational user”. He adds:In Germany, he says, there’s a requirement for everyone to have insurance “regardless of whether you’re a commercial a recreational user”. He adds:
We’re asking the authorities to look at whether everyone shouldn’t be insured if they’re flying a drone. After all, whether for business or pleasure, the risks remain the same.We’re asking the authorities to look at whether everyone shouldn’t be insured if they’re flying a drone. After all, whether for business or pleasure, the risks remain the same.
Lastly, he says it’s incidents like that at Gatwick which unfairly give the drone industry a bad name.Lastly, he says it’s incidents like that at Gatwick which unfairly give the drone industry a bad name.
Drones are saving lives as part of life-guard duties, the police are using them to help tackle crime, they’re being used all over the world to do deliveries, medical supplies, and all of this stuff is under threat if the public don’t trust them.Drones are saving lives as part of life-guard duties, the police are using them to help tackle crime, they’re being used all over the world to do deliveries, medical supplies, and all of this stuff is under threat if the public don’t trust them.
Theresa May insists that anti-drone legislation has been enacted.Theresa May insists that anti-drone legislation has been enacted.
Speaking at a press conference with her Polish counterpart she said:Speaking at a press conference with her Polish counterpart she said:
I feel for all those passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted by this drone activity and the action that has had to be taken in response to it. At this particular time of year this is particularly difficult for people.I feel for all those passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted by this drone activity and the action that has had to be taken in response to it. At this particular time of year this is particularly difficult for people.
We have already passed legislation in relation to the use of drones. As it has been made clear, the activity we have seen is illegal and those who are caught endangering aircraft can face up to five years in prison. And we’re consulting on further aspects of this including further police powers.We have already passed legislation in relation to the use of drones. As it has been made clear, the activity we have seen is illegal and those who are caught endangering aircraft can face up to five years in prison. And we’re consulting on further aspects of this including further police powers.
We will continue to work with the Gatwick authorities in order to bring this to a close such that people will be able to get on to the travel that they were expecting over the Christmas.We will continue to work with the Gatwick authorities in order to bring this to a close such that people will be able to get on to the travel that they were expecting over the Christmas.
Earlier, Gatwick said police could not shoot down the drone because of the risk posed by stray bullets but images taken at the airport suggest there may have been a change of heart.Earlier, Gatwick said police could not shoot down the drone because of the risk posed by stray bullets but images taken at the airport suggest there may have been a change of heart.
Gatwick Airport have brought in specialist police snipers to shoot down the rogue drones pic.twitter.com/NwLsOTlHJSGatwick Airport have brought in specialist police snipers to shoot down the rogue drones pic.twitter.com/NwLsOTlHJS
Eurocontrol now says Gatwick will stay closed until at least 7pm.Eurocontrol now says Gatwick will stay closed until at least 7pm.
Euro Control: Gatwick won't open until at least 7pm local time (4 hours 18 minutes from now) pic.twitter.com/Tx8U2g30zcEuro Control: Gatwick won't open until at least 7pm local time (4 hours 18 minutes from now) pic.twitter.com/Tx8U2g30zc
Air traffic controllers say their warnings about the risk of drones have been repeatedly ignored.Air traffic controllers say their warnings about the risk of drones have been repeatedly ignored.
In a strongly-worded statement the Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers said: “Our calls for stricter regulations and enforcement have been repeatedly dismissed by regulatory bodies.”In a strongly-worded statement the Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers said: “Our calls for stricter regulations and enforcement have been repeatedly dismissed by regulatory bodies.”
It has also called for geofencing and other counter-drone measures around airports.It has also called for geofencing and other counter-drone measures around airports.
GATCO press release on the closure of Gatwick Airport due to drone activity. @BALPApilots @ASG_EGTT @UK_CAA @transportgovuk @BBCNews @janewakefield @ATMeditor https://t.co/QDaLU3xqIW pic.twitter.com/BGUwl14aOoGATCO press release on the closure of Gatwick Airport due to drone activity. @BALPApilots @ASG_EGTT @UK_CAA @transportgovuk @BBCNews @janewakefield @ATMeditor https://t.co/QDaLU3xqIW pic.twitter.com/BGUwl14aOo
Brian Strutton, general secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association, has called for drone exclusion zones around airports to be extended from 1km to 5km.Brian Strutton, general secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association, has called for drone exclusion zones around airports to be extended from 1km to 5km.
He said:He said:
“We have been working closely with the Department for Transport on these issues, and we were pleased to see new drone laws put in place earlier this year, but we said they do not go far enough. The government was clear to Balpa that they were open to extending the 1km exclusion zone, and it is now obvious that that must happen urgently. Balpa is calling for a 5km exclusion zone.“We have been working closely with the Department for Transport on these issues, and we were pleased to see new drone laws put in place earlier this year, but we said they do not go far enough. The government was clear to Balpa that they were open to extending the 1km exclusion zone, and it is now obvious that that must happen urgently. Balpa is calling for a 5km exclusion zone.
“This incident also reinforces the need for registration of drones and licensing of operators so that the police can track and trace drones which are being flown dangerously or irresponsibly and for the industry to invest in technology which can detect drones and stop them from being flown near airports and aircraft.”“This incident also reinforces the need for registration of drones and licensing of operators so that the police can track and trace drones which are being flown dangerously or irresponsibly and for the industry to invest in technology which can detect drones and stop them from being flown near airports and aircraft.”
The International Air Transport Association has urged governments to do more to “reduce the risk of rogue drone operations”.The International Air Transport Association has urged governments to do more to “reduce the risk of rogue drone operations”.
Here's our statement on the London @Gatwick_Airport #drone disruption. pic.twitter.com/DgEfSzI158Here's our statement on the London @Gatwick_Airport #drone disruption. pic.twitter.com/DgEfSzI158
Gatwick says the airport will remain shut until at least 4pm while the European aviation agency Eurocontrol says the airport will be shut until at least 6pm.Gatwick says the airport will remain shut until at least 4pm while the European aviation agency Eurocontrol says the airport will be shut until at least 6pm.
14.15: Our runway is still closed because of drone sightings. Flights are cancelled up to at least 16.00 today, while we constantly review the situation. Please do not set out for the airport for your flight without checking with your airline first. We're sorry for the disruption14.15: Our runway is still closed because of drone sightings. Flights are cancelled up to at least 16.00 today, while we constantly review the situation. Please do not set out for the airport for your flight without checking with your airline first. We're sorry for the disruption
Almost total shutdown of #gatwick North terminal check in desks pic.twitter.com/0MucOQX8p6Almost total shutdown of #gatwick North terminal check in desks pic.twitter.com/0MucOQX8p6
'I’ll crack by hour five': Gatwick passengers' patience wears thin'I’ll crack by hour five': Gatwick passengers' patience wears thin
How dangerous are drones to aircraft?How dangerous are drones to aircraft?
The Civil Aviation Authority says airlines are not obliged to pay financial compensation to passengers hit by the disruption at Gatwick.The Civil Aviation Authority says airlines are not obliged to pay financial compensation to passengers hit by the disruption at Gatwick.
In a statement it said: “Under EU261 regulations, passengers that no longer wish to take their flight can contact their airline for a refund. For those passengers that do still wish to fly, we advise them to contact their airline to understand the options available.In a statement it said: “Under EU261 regulations, passengers that no longer wish to take their flight can contact their airline for a refund. For those passengers that do still wish to fly, we advise them to contact their airline to understand the options available.
“Given the reasons for the current disruption at Gatwick airport, the CAA considers this event to be an extraordinary circumstance. In such circumstances airlines are not obliged to pay financial compensation to passengers affected by the disruption.”“Given the reasons for the current disruption at Gatwick airport, the CAA considers this event to be an extraordinary circumstance. In such circumstances airlines are not obliged to pay financial compensation to passengers affected by the disruption.”
The @UK_CAA is offering advice to passengers impacted by the disruption at Gatwick Airport.Please visit the following website to find a leaflet on your rights as a passenger: https://t.co/9hxLyyJBvB.#Gatwick #Gatwick_Airport pic.twitter.com/ljUaFDKcMoThe @UK_CAA is offering advice to passengers impacted by the disruption at Gatwick Airport.Please visit the following website to find a leaflet on your rights as a passenger: https://t.co/9hxLyyJBvB.#Gatwick #Gatwick_Airport pic.twitter.com/ljUaFDKcMo
The government was warned that an incident like this was likely.The government was warned that an incident like this was likely.
In 2016, a report by Lord Harris on London’s preparedness to respond to a terror attack warned of the threat of drones to airports.In 2016, a report by Lord Harris on London’s preparedness to respond to a terror attack warned of the threat of drones to airports.
The report [pdf] said:The report [pdf] said:
Recently, concerns have been expressed about the potential for drones – either accidentally or with malicious intent – to disrupt flights. In order to address this risk, the Civil Aviation Authority should, building on the work of the House of Lords review into the civil use of drones, ensure that the current legislation relating to the use of drones is suitable. Government should also explore technological options to improve the capacity to restrict drone use or disable them.Recently, concerns have been expressed about the potential for drones – either accidentally or with malicious intent – to disrupt flights. In order to address this risk, the Civil Aviation Authority should, building on the work of the House of Lords review into the civil use of drones, ensure that the current legislation relating to the use of drones is suitable. Government should also explore technological options to improve the capacity to restrict drone use or disable them.
Thanks to reader Geoff Baker for the tip.Thanks to reader Geoff Baker for the tip.
Southern rail has joined LNER in offering limited free rail travel to people whose flights have been cancelled.Southern rail has joined LNER in offering limited free rail travel to people whose flights have been cancelled.
📢 Have you been affected by the #drones at Gatwick ✈️? If your travel plans have been changed, we’ve made the following arrangements to help get you on the move without any further hassle.ℹ️ Info here 👉 https://t.co/wPsHsn9tMM pic.twitter.com/ZpjJ8Hn7ld📢 Have you been affected by the #drones at Gatwick ✈️? If your travel plans have been changed, we’ve made the following arrangements to help get you on the move without any further hassle.ℹ️ Info here 👉 https://t.co/wPsHsn9tMM pic.twitter.com/ZpjJ8Hn7ld