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Gatwick airport disruption: police still trying to catch drones after flights cancelled – live Gatwick airport disruption: police still trying to catch drones after flights cancelled – live
(35 minutes later)
Downing Street said government was in touch with the police about the incident, although the prime minister’s official spokesman could not name which minister was taking charge of the situation.
The spokesman repeated previous police statements that there was no evidence that this was a terrorist incident, and emphasised that what happened at Gatwick was illegal.The spokesman went on to condemn what had happened at Gatwick.
“This behaviour is irresponsible and completely unacceptable. We feel for passengers who face further disruption. These drones are being flown illegally. The law couldn’t be clearer. Those found endangering people could face up to five years in jail. We are in close contact with Gatwick Airport as they work with police to safely resolve the situation.”
Around 110,000 passengers are due to fly on Thursday and the vast majority of them will see cancellations and disruptions, according to the the airport’s chief operating officer, Chris Woodroofe.
I was booked on a Ryanair Gatwick flight to Dublin tonight. I just got a text from Ryanair saying: “Due to Gatwick Airport closure, please make your way to London Stansted where your flight will be operating.”
Gatwick is not a major hub for Ryanair - it’s Stansted where it has the most flights - so evidently it has found capacity to be able to shift flights and crews to Stansted instead.
Richard Gill, founder of Drone Defence the company which has successfully installed an anti-drone SkyFence around Guernsey prions insist “the technology exists to stop this problem”.
In an email to the Guardian he said: “SkyFence would perform equally as well in an airport situation and would actively create a ‘no fly zone’ where the drone would not be able to fly inside the airport’s perimeter.”
Anti-drone technology could be introduced in English prisons
EasyJet is urging its customers not to travel to Gatwick if their flights have been cancelled.
In a statement it said:
“We advise all customers flying to and from London Gatwick today to not travel to the airport if they are on flights which have been cancelled. Customers can check the status of their flight on our flight tracker or via the app.
“We are making every effort to get people to their destination at this important time of the year. Customers on cancelled flights today will be entitled to a free of charge transfer to an alternative flight and hotel accommodation if required. We will also reimburse any reasonable expenses incurred by passengers who arrange their own comparable alternative transport.
“Whilst the situation is outside of our control we would like to apologise to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the diversions and resultant delays and cancellations.
“The safety of its passengers and crew is the airline’s highest priority.”
Here’s more from the response the aviation minister, Liz Sugg, gave to the Lords.
Sussex police are in the lead and have officers on the ground. They are doing everything they can to locate the drone and its operators. All relevant parts of government including the Department for Transport, Home Office and the Ministry of Defence, are involved in the response. And we are doing everything we can. I’m afraid it is an ongoing police investigation and I’m not able to confirm the details at this time.
We are absolutely working with manufacturers and retailers to ensure that these rules are communicated with people who purchase drones. And from November people will need to register their drone and take an online safety test.
We have also recently consulted on extending police powers and will be making announcements on the next steps on that very shortly.”
In answer to a frustrated Lord – many of the peers said they had relatives stuck at airports as a result of the disruption – Sugg said:
We are working closely with manufacturers on counter-drone technology. We are working closely with the Home Office both on the technological side of counter-drone technology but also on the physical side too.
We work carefully with airports on all their operational contingency plans, the priority is safety. Once this event is closed we will be working with airports to avoid such an incident in the future.
I am in no way complacent about this issue. We have been working incredibly hard on it all morning. We have also taken clear action this year, both introducing exclusion zones, bringing in laws to ensure that drones aren’t flown over 400ft. And we have consulted on extending police powers.
I don’t have details on the specific rehearsals for this, but I will look into that.”
“It’s chaos,” says Sofia the pilot on Instagram as she waits to fly an empty passenger jet from Stockholm’s Arlanda airport to London.
When Gatwick closes due to drones in the air🤨 Me and my Captain are scheduled to fly an empty aircraft to London because this aircraft got stuck here in Stockholm last night when the drone activity started at Gatwick yesterday evening... With new drones appearing this morning everyone have diverted and there are still flights diverting all over the place to other airports. It’s chaos! We have now been waiting for 4h in the aircraft with our SLOT time only getting worse.... New SLOT is 4h from now... Not a very nice day for all the passengers, the working staff or for the airlines!😝 (This is why we do not like drones!) . . #avgeek #aviation #instaaviation #b737 #boeing #boeing737 #pilotlife #pilot #femalepilot #work #drone #drones #aviationlovers #aircraft
A post shared by Boeing 737 Pilot from 🇸🇪🇬🇷 (@sofiathepilot) on Dec 20, 2018 at 12:33am PST
The aviation minister, Liz Sugg, has updated the House of Lords on the incident.
She said:
The disruption that these drones have caused is extensive and it’s an ongoing operation. We are in close contact with Gatwick airport as they work with the police to safely resolve the situation as quickly as possible. These drones have been flown illegally and anyone endangering an aircraft could face up to five years in jail.
We absolutely need to make sure that we introduce new laws to ensure that drones are used safely and responsibly. Earlier this year we brought in a law that makes it illegal to fly within a kilometre of an airport and above 400ft.
We are also introducing a registration system which will include a mandatory safety check before you are able to fly your drone.
I am not able to give a further comment. It does seem as though they are being used intentionally to disrupt the airport. This is an ongoing investigation.
The European aviation agency Euro Control says Gatwick will remain closed until at least 4pm.The European aviation agency Euro Control says Gatwick will remain closed until at least 4pm.
Euro Control now saying Gatwick won't open until at least 4pm local time -- FOUR HOURS from now pic.twitter.com/f2MiFb8u9aEuro Control now saying Gatwick won't open until at least 4pm local time -- FOUR HOURS from now pic.twitter.com/f2MiFb8u9a
Gatwick remains closed, the airport said in its latest statement:Gatwick remains closed, the airport said in its latest statement:
Gatwick airport’s runway remains closed and all flights are currently suspended following reports of drones flying over Gatwick’s airfield last night and this morning.Gatwick airport’s runway remains closed and all flights are currently suspended following reports of drones flying over Gatwick’s airfield last night and this morning.
There is significant disruption at Gatwick today as a result of what appears to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt flights.There is significant disruption at Gatwick today as a result of what appears to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt flights.
We are extremely disappointed that passengers are being affected by this, especially at such an important time of year. We are prioritising the welfare of those at the airport by deploying staff into our terminals to look after people as best we can.We are extremely disappointed that passengers are being affected by this, especially at such an important time of year. We are prioritising the welfare of those at the airport by deploying staff into our terminals to look after people as best we can.
We are working hard with our airlines to get information to passengers but would advise anyone booked onto flights from Gatwick, or meeting arriving passengers, not to travel to the airport without checking the status of the flight with their airline or on our website first.We are working hard with our airlines to get information to passengers but would advise anyone booked onto flights from Gatwick, or meeting arriving passengers, not to travel to the airport without checking the status of the flight with their airline or on our website first.
We apologise for the continued inconvenience, but the safety of all passengers and staff is our first priority.”We apologise for the continued inconvenience, but the safety of all passengers and staff is our first priority.”
Video from the University of Dayton in Ohio shows what damage a drone can do to an aircraft wing.Video from the University of Dayton in Ohio shows what damage a drone can do to an aircraft wing.
The test was intended to compare a bird strike and a drone strike, using a drone similar in weight to many hobby drones and a wing selected to represent one on a commercial aircraft.The test was intended to compare a bird strike and a drone strike, using a drone similar in weight to many hobby drones and a wing selected to represent one on a commercial aircraft.
Readers have been in touch to tell us how they’ve been affected by the disruption at Gatwick.Readers have been in touch to tell us how they’ve been affected by the disruption at Gatwick.
Kevin, 34, from Price Edward Island, Canada, is stuck in Glasgow after his WestJet flight from Toronto was diverted. He said:Kevin, 34, from Price Edward Island, Canada, is stuck in Glasgow after his WestJet flight from Toronto was diverted. He said:
We were circling just off the west coast of the UK for about an hour before we diverted to Glasgow. We didn’t know if we were going to refuel but we’ve just been told we’re disembarking.We were circling just off the west coast of the UK for about an hour before we diverted to Glasgow. We didn’t know if we were going to refuel but we’ve just been told we’re disembarking.
There’s no information from the airline about future plans and we’ve been told to line up at some information desks. The implication from staff is that we’d be waiting here until tomorrow and only be getting vouchers. I’ve booked my own flight from Glasgow to Luton as I’m meant to be visiting family in Bedfordshire.There’s no information from the airline about future plans and we’ve been told to line up at some information desks. The implication from staff is that we’d be waiting here until tomorrow and only be getting vouchers. I’ve booked my own flight from Glasgow to Luton as I’m meant to be visiting family in Bedfordshire.
Drone disabling technology has existed for several years now, so there’s no reason a robust runway protection plan hasn’t been rolled out. It’s pure complacency and only now that there’s major disruption and loss of revenue will we likely see changes made.”Drone disabling technology has existed for several years now, so there’s no reason a robust runway protection plan hasn’t been rolled out. It’s pure complacency and only now that there’s major disruption and loss of revenue will we likely see changes made.”
A pilot, who asked to remain anonymous, said he had been waiting at Gatwick:A pilot, who asked to remain anonymous, said he had been waiting at Gatwick:
I’m massively disappointed for everyone who has been affected and is trying to get away for Christmas. The situation is being determined purely by the police. They are the only ones who will decide when it is safe to reopen for flights. My company has plenty of crew at this time of year and we all pull together when something like this happens. The latest rumour is that the airport will open again at 4pm.”I’m massively disappointed for everyone who has been affected and is trying to get away for Christmas. The situation is being determined purely by the police. They are the only ones who will decide when it is safe to reopen for flights. My company has plenty of crew at this time of year and we all pull together when something like this happens. The latest rumour is that the airport will open again at 4pm.”
Liam Cumber and his wife were due to travel to Amsterdam at 11.40am when their British Airways flight was cancelled.Liam Cumber and his wife were due to travel to Amsterdam at 11.40am when their British Airways flight was cancelled.
Cumber, 30, from Folkestone, has been one of the lucky ones after rearranging a later flight departing from Heathrow.Cumber, 30, from Folkestone, has been one of the lucky ones after rearranging a later flight departing from Heathrow.
He said: “The cancellation notification came via the app and included information on a proposed alternate with a one-button acceptance. BA have been really productive and we can’t fault them so far as we’ve not been charged, but we don’t fly until 4.50pm now so there might be issues further down the line.He said: “The cancellation notification came via the app and included information on a proposed alternate with a one-button acceptance. BA have been really productive and we can’t fault them so far as we’ve not been charged, but we don’t fly until 4.50pm now so there might be issues further down the line.
“We’ve lost five hours of our holiday but think that’s astounding considering the circumstances. Friendly and sympathetic staff at Gatwick train station are allowing everyone free travel to London to help them get to alternate airports.“We’ve lost five hours of our holiday but think that’s astounding considering the circumstances. Friendly and sympathetic staff at Gatwick train station are allowing everyone free travel to London to help them get to alternate airports.
“I personally think drones should be illegal except for licensed hobbyists: such as racers or photographers. No untrained person should have access to flying machinery. I can’t see how Gatwick can do anything anything better really: they cannot fly planes when small mechanical bits of plastic and metal are flying around potentially getting sucked into engines or cracking windows. Passenger safety comes before passenger convenience.”You can continue to share your experiences and news tips by filling in the form here or via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.“I personally think drones should be illegal except for licensed hobbyists: such as racers or photographers. No untrained person should have access to flying machinery. I can’t see how Gatwick can do anything anything better really: they cannot fly planes when small mechanical bits of plastic and metal are flying around potentially getting sucked into engines or cracking windows. Passenger safety comes before passenger convenience.”You can continue to share your experiences and news tips by filling in the form here or via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.
A decent travel insurance policy should cover the cost of travellers having to abandon their Christmas plans because of the drone situation at Gatwick – including hotel and car hire cancellation at their destination – but as always with insurance the devil is in the detail.A decent travel insurance policy should cover the cost of travellers having to abandon their Christmas plans because of the drone situation at Gatwick – including hotel and car hire cancellation at their destination – but as always with insurance the devil is in the detail.
The airline cannot be held liable for payouts under the EU 261 rules as this is a situation beyond their control. What the airline should offer you is either a refund for the flight only, or a promise to put you on the next available flight, or alternative routing.The airline cannot be held liable for payouts under the EU 261 rules as this is a situation beyond their control. What the airline should offer you is either a refund for the flight only, or a promise to put you on the next available flight, or alternative routing.
But as most flights are extremely heavily booked at this time of the year, travellers may find that the next flight available is several days away.But as most flights are extremely heavily booked at this time of the year, travellers may find that the next flight available is several days away.
So any claim will then have to be on your travel insurance. If you have checked in and then can’t fly, then you should be able to make a claim under the cancellation and abandonment section of your policy – but check first.So any claim will then have to be on your travel insurance. If you have checked in and then can’t fly, then you should be able to make a claim under the cancellation and abandonment section of your policy – but check first.
Many will rely on the travel insurance that comes with their bank account. One popular policy is Nationwide’s Flex Plus account, and its terms and conditions say that it will pay up to £5,000 if you decide to abandon the journey and return home, but only if the delay to the flight is for at least six hours on journeys of four nights or less, or 12 hours on journeys of five nights or more.Many will rely on the travel insurance that comes with their bank account. One popular policy is Nationwide’s Flex Plus account, and its terms and conditions say that it will pay up to £5,000 if you decide to abandon the journey and return home, but only if the delay to the flight is for at least six hours on journeys of four nights or less, or 12 hours on journeys of five nights or more.
That said, it’s often a battle to make claims against insurers in these circumstances, and the very cheap policies bought on comparison sites are likely to reject claims. Nearly all policies include an “excess”, usually at least £100. That means the first £100 of the claim will not be paid.That said, it’s often a battle to make claims against insurers in these circumstances, and the very cheap policies bought on comparison sites are likely to reject claims. Nearly all policies include an “excess”, usually at least £100. That means the first £100 of the claim will not be paid.
Also, be aware that if today’s drone disruption is declared a terrorist incident – police have said there is no indication this will be the case – then the insurers will not pay out. A standard condition in insurance policies is that “cancellation on the grounds of war or terrorism isn’t covered by your policy.”Also, be aware that if today’s drone disruption is declared a terrorist incident – police have said there is no indication this will be the case – then the insurers will not pay out. A standard condition in insurance policies is that “cancellation on the grounds of war or terrorism isn’t covered by your policy.”
In a statement, the Association of British Insurers said: “Where illegal drone activity has grounded or diverted flights, as with all flight cancellations or disruption, you should speak to your airline or travel company first who will have certain responsibilities under the law.In a statement, the Association of British Insurers said: “Where illegal drone activity has grounded or diverted flights, as with all flight cancellations or disruption, you should speak to your airline or travel company first who will have certain responsibilities under the law.
“For additional travel disruption costs, such as missed hotel bookings or already paid for activities that you can no longer make, you should speak to your travel insurer as these may be covered under the terms of your travel insurance depending on the type of cover you have bought.”“For additional travel disruption costs, such as missed hotel bookings or already paid for activities that you can no longer make, you should speak to your travel insurer as these may be covered under the terms of your travel insurance depending on the type of cover you have bought.”
We’re getting a higher number of travel insurance calls due to the ongoing disruption at #Gatwick. If you’re affected by the incident, please contact your tour operator or airline first to find out what options are available to you.We’re getting a higher number of travel insurance calls due to the ongoing disruption at #Gatwick. If you’re affected by the incident, please contact your tour operator or airline first to find out what options are available to you.
Prospect, the largest union representing engineers, has added to calls for tougher regulations against drones.Prospect, the largest union representing engineers, has added to calls for tougher regulations against drones.
Garry Graham, its deputy general secretary, said:Garry Graham, its deputy general secretary, said:
The drone disruption at Gatwick comes as little surprise to those in the aviation industry who have been arguing that the lack of effective regulation and enforcement is an accident waiting to happen.The drone disruption at Gatwick comes as little surprise to those in the aviation industry who have been arguing that the lack of effective regulation and enforcement is an accident waiting to happen.
Prospect, alongside other aviation unions, has been arguing at a UK and European level for a tough regulatory framework supported by a robust enforcement regime. Without things like geofencing, drone registration and training, backed up by greater publicity of the laws and adequately resourced enforcement, this kind of event will only become more common.Prospect, alongside other aviation unions, has been arguing at a UK and European level for a tough regulatory framework supported by a robust enforcement regime. Without things like geofencing, drone registration and training, backed up by greater publicity of the laws and adequately resourced enforcement, this kind of event will only become more common.
We pay tribute to the air traffic controllers at Gatwick who have acted speedily to ensure passenger safety. We must make sure that the Civil Aviation Authority has the resources and the legal powers to ensure that passenger safety is not put at risk in this way again.”We pay tribute to the air traffic controllers at Gatwick who have acted speedily to ensure passenger safety. We must make sure that the Civil Aviation Authority has the resources and the legal powers to ensure that passenger safety is not put at risk in this way again.”
Much of the misery in Gatwick this morning is centred on a near 300-metre-long, slowly moving queue for the Norwegian Airlines information desk, at which a single member of staff is dealing with passengers queries.Much of the misery in Gatwick this morning is centred on a near 300-metre-long, slowly moving queue for the Norwegian Airlines information desk, at which a single member of staff is dealing with passengers queries.
Rebecca Dahl, 20, from Copenhagen, was about three-quarters of the way to the front. She had been waiting for three hours. Her flight was expected to depart at 6am tomorrow, but she was desperate to try to rebook to an earlier flight.Rebecca Dahl, 20, from Copenhagen, was about three-quarters of the way to the front. She had been waiting for three hours. Her flight was expected to depart at 6am tomorrow, but she was desperate to try to rebook to an earlier flight.
"I'm hoping there's an earlier flight because I have no place to stay and I don't have any money."Rebecca Dahl, 20, from Copenhagen, has been waiting in the @Fly_Norwegian queue at #gatwick for three hours. pic.twitter.com/igPpfhcMQA"I'm hoping there's an earlier flight because I have no place to stay and I don't have any money."Rebecca Dahl, 20, from Copenhagen, has been waiting in the @Fly_Norwegian queue at #gatwick for three hours. pic.twitter.com/igPpfhcMQA
“I’m hoping that there’s another one that’s earlier because I have no place to stay and I don’t have any money,” she said. “Maybe they can hook me up with a hotel or something.”“I’m hoping that there’s another one that’s earlier because I have no place to stay and I don’t have any money,” she said. “Maybe they can hook me up with a hotel or something.”
Dahl, who is on a gap year from university, said she had been visiting a friend in London. “I missed my flight coming here too, so I’m very unlucky,” she said.Dahl, who is on a gap year from university, said she had been visiting a friend in London. “I missed my flight coming here too, so I’m very unlucky,” she said.
Further back, near the start of the queue, was Maria Vega, 20, who was hoping to fly with Norwegian to Las Vegas to go home for Christmas. She had been waiting in line for about 70 minutes, she said, but had moved 30-40 feet.Further back, near the start of the queue, was Maria Vega, 20, who was hoping to fly with Norwegian to Las Vegas to go home for Christmas. She had been waiting in line for about 70 minutes, she said, but had moved 30-40 feet.
"Patience is a virtue, that's what my mum tells me. But I think I'm going to crack up by hour five."Maria Vega, 20, a student in London, waiting in a long queue for news of her eight hour delayed @Fly_Norwegian flight to Las Vegas.#gatwick pic.twitter.com/WCBcHnTLo1"Patience is a virtue, that's what my mum tells me. But I think I'm going to crack up by hour five."Maria Vega, 20, a student in London, waiting in a long queue for news of her eight hour delayed @Fly_Norwegian flight to Las Vegas.#gatwick pic.twitter.com/WCBcHnTLo1
Her flight had been delayed for eight hours, but she was still hopeful she could depart tonight. “Patience is a virtue, that’s what my mum tells me; but I think I’m going to crack by hour five,” she said. “It’s just waiting here then having to go on an 11-hour flight.”Her flight had been delayed for eight hours, but she was still hopeful she could depart tonight. “Patience is a virtue, that’s what my mum tells me; but I think I’m going to crack by hour five,” she said. “It’s just waiting here then having to go on an 11-hour flight.”
Vega, a student at Birkbeck in London, said she thought the queue was only moving because people in front of her were leaving it rather than waiting any longer.Vega, a student at Birkbeck in London, said she thought the queue was only moving because people in front of her were leaving it rather than waiting any longer.
But she said she had to stick it out because she was unable to check in online for her flight. “I just don’t know if I should go home, because then the trains could be delayed,” she said.But she said she had to stick it out because she was unable to check in online for her flight. “I just don’t know if I should go home, because then the trains could be delayed,” she said.
Here’s what we know so far:Here’s what we know so far:
Flights in and out of Gatwick airport remain suspended more than 14 hours after at least one drone was spotted on the runway. Thousands of passengers face disruption that is likely to last until Friday at the earliest. At least 760 flights have been cancelled.Flights in and out of Gatwick airport remain suspended more than 14 hours after at least one drone was spotted on the runway. Thousands of passengers face disruption that is likely to last until Friday at the earliest. At least 760 flights have been cancelled.
Police are appealing for the public’s help in catching the operator of the drone. About 20 police units are searching the perimeter of the airfield.Police are appealing for the public’s help in catching the operator of the drone. About 20 police units are searching the perimeter of the airfield.
Gatwick said the drone could not be shot down for fear of stray bullets harming members of the public. But police have said they are reviewing options for downing the drone.Gatwick said the drone could not be shot down for fear of stray bullets harming members of the public. But police have said they are reviewing options for downing the drone.
Police said they do not believe the incident is terror related, but they do believe it is a deliberate act to disrupt the airport.Police said they do not believe the incident is terror related, but they do believe it is a deliberate act to disrupt the airport.
The aviation minister, Liz Sugg, is due to give an update on the situation in the House of Lords. Labour says the government has been too slow to address safety concerns about drones. Pilots have called for tougher laws against drones.The aviation minister, Liz Sugg, is due to give an update on the situation in the House of Lords. Labour says the government has been too slow to address safety concerns about drones. Pilots have called for tougher laws against drones.
Police continue to search for drones on the runway.Police continue to search for drones on the runway.
A woman says she has suffered an “emotional disaster” after spending the night on a cold floor with her eight-year-old-daughter and three-year-old son, PA reports.A woman says she has suffered an “emotional disaster” after spending the night on a cold floor with her eight-year-old-daughter and three-year-old son, PA reports.
Yulia Hristova, who was meant to fly to Istanbul via Kiev at 3am and has been at the airport since midnight, said:Yulia Hristova, who was meant to fly to Istanbul via Kiev at 3am and has been at the airport since midnight, said:
With two kids I’m in a difficult position, I’m so tired, I’m so upset, we’ve had no information.With two kids I’m in a difficult position, I’m so tired, I’m so upset, we’ve had no information.
We were standing for hours, nobody’s been on the desk. It was so cold. We were sleeping on the floor, me and my children. I lost my son during the night, and a policeman brought him back.We were standing for hours, nobody’s been on the desk. It was so cold. We were sleeping on the floor, me and my children. I lost my son during the night, and a policeman brought him back.
I was meant to be reunited with my family, my kids were so excited they didn’t sleep until 6am, they were waiting to get on the plane.I was meant to be reunited with my family, my kids were so excited they didn’t sleep until 6am, they were waiting to get on the plane.
It’s been an emotional disaster. I’m so exhausted, I don’t want to stress out but it’s very worrying. What’s going to happen to us in Ukraine? What if we run out of money? Are the airline going to put us in a hotel?It’s been an emotional disaster. I’m so exhausted, I don’t want to stress out but it’s very worrying. What’s going to happen to us in Ukraine? What if we run out of money? Are the airline going to put us in a hotel?
I want to give up right now, it’s making me so anxious.”I want to give up right now, it’s making me so anxious.”