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Gatwick disruption: 'no idea' when airport will reopen as police still trying to catch drones – live Gatwick airport disruption: May says she feels for stranded passengers as drone chaos continues – live
(35 minutes later)
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The European aviation agency Eurocontrol has again pushed back the earliest time flights at Gatwick could resume.
It now says flights at Gatwick will be cancelled until at least 6pm.
The drones involved are described by the police as “industrial” models. Sussex police, which is leading the operation, posted a message on Twitter saying: “It is believed that the Gatwick devices used are of an industrial specification. We are continuing to search for the operators.”
#GatwickDrones | The #drone image in our previous tweets was used for illustrative purposes only and not the devices being sought. It is believed that the #Gatwick devices used are of an industrial specification. We are continuing to search for the operators pic.twitter.com/NBW6Oh1M3c
Lexie Heath, a former bank worker, had to be given a wheelchair after the stress of having her flight cancelled exacerbated her heart problem, PA reports.
The 73-year-old, who lives in London and was scheduled to fly to Glasgow to be with family for Christmas, said she was not used to travelling alone as her husband died five months ago.
She said airport staff had been “fantastic” in looking after her and that she had been stuck on a stationary plane from 7am for about four hours this morning. She said:
I have a heart problem and when I get stressed it races too fast and sometimes skips a beat. I can get a pain down my arm as well, like pins and needles. This stress has really set me off, very much so. My legs just go.
I’m not that used to travelling alone, it used to be with my husband.
I’m going back up to spend Christmas with my family. My brother died three weeks ago and now I’ll have the extra stress of trying to organise parts of his funeral. I could have really done without this.”
A replacement flight from Gatwick tomorrow morning has been organised for her, she added.
I warned airports about drones. Now Gatwick shows they must take action | Simon Moores
The ripple effects of Gatwick’s closure are being felt across Europe. An EasyJet manager in Athens has confirmed that tonight’s flight out of the Greek capital has been cancelled.
Hundreds of passengers, including me, are still waiting to board the airline’s earlier flight now delayed by over two hours.
“It is a very tricky situation,” the manager told the Guardian. “When they find out who owns these drones and why they are doing it the punishment will be serious.”
The European aviation agency Eurocontrol says flights at Gatwick will be cancelled until at least 5pm.
More than 16 and half hours after a drone was first spotted at Gatwick it has still not be disabled.
Det Supt Juliet Parker of Sussex and Surrey olice has defended the police operation.
Speaking to the BBC, she said: “We’ve committed a lot of resources to this. Progress may seem like it is slow, but we are doing everything we can with Gatwick to resolve this with the safety of the public absolutely paramount.”
When asked whether the airport would be open soon, she said: “At the moment, until we can guarantee it’s absolutely safe, then this is the right thing to do at this time.”
When asked about the laws banning drone flights near airports, she said: “I’m sure it is something that will be reviewed with the right people around the table.”
Parker told Channel 4 News that an act of terrorism could not be ruled out.
Detective Superintendent Juliet Parker from Surrey & Sussex joint ops police force tells us “it’s wrong to speculate about terrorism but it is an open question” she says drone not linked to terrorism at this time but is also not ruling it out
A Labour MP has called on the government to make an urgent statement in parliament on the disruption at Gatwick.
Ian Murray said many of his Edinburgh South constituents were stuck at the airport south of London due to the problem, and called for a minister to come to the House of Commons and address the subject, outlining the sanctions for illegally flying such vehicles, which he said “could endanger the lives of hundreds of people”.
In response, Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the Commons, said it was “awful for passengers”, and highlighted legislation the government passed to deal with “those who seek to interfere with a plane with a drone”.
Leadsom said offenders face up to five years in prison and unlimited fines, but added that after the current incident “we have to do more”.
A passenger waiting to fly at Gatwick, who asked to remain anonymous, captured staff at Hamleys keeping some children entertained
With hundreds of flights delayed and thousands of people waiting, listening desperately to any little piece of information that comes through their phones, some good needs to be seen. The staff at Hamleys in the north terminal are absolute legends. They’ve been keeping the cheer going, and the young ones entertained and the spirit of the airport has been lifted.
We are blown away with how Gatwick security and the police are handling this situation. Keeping the airport shut is very frustrating, but they’ve really made it clear the importance of everyone’s safety. What comes across as a ‘tiny drone’ could easily turn into a Christmas nightmare if the police didn’t treat this as seriously as they have been. We are in no rush at this stage so just waiting for it to come to an end.”
Another woman who gave her name as Mrs Morris, from Hertfordshire, and her two sons, Sam, 10, and Daniel, 14, had just disembarked a British Airways flight that was to go to Fort Lauderdale after sitting on the plane since 10am.
The flight was delayed from 9am and we had been sitting patiently onboard with only half a glass of water being offered to us. Daniel is annoyed to not be going anywhere fast since waking up at 4am, and Sam said he’s ‘bored, bored, bored’, but still has 77% battery on his iPad so there’s been no parental pressure on reducing screen time under the circumstances. I on the other hand have been freezing from the aircon!
The kids were still optimistic when passing through security, but it’s just been announced that the flight has been cancelled. Our bags will be unloaded and we are to disembark. We’re feeling very despondent now. Fat chance of getting away for Christmas.”
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flight from New York has been diverted to Doncaster Sheffield airport.
The scheduled flight was diverted from Gatwick to the South Yorkshire airport, according to the flight tracking website FlightRadar24.
The passenger Ben Phillips described the disruption as an “infuriating mess”.
@bbcsoutheast Our Norwegian flight from JFK diverted to Sheffield Doncaster. Sitting on the tarmac with no information. What a completely infuriating mess.