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| Gatwick airport drones: police say there are 'persons of interest' as flights resume – live | Gatwick airport drones: police say there are 'persons of interest' as flights resume – live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| We’re wrapping up our blog, although you’ll see us pop up again should any fresh sightings of the drone or drones cast doubts on continued operations at Gatwick or other airports. Good luck to anyone trying to fly home for Christmas. | |
| Here’s a summary: | |
| • Gatwick’s runway has reopened and a limited number of planes have arrived and departed, after the airport was shut for almost 36 hours by drone sightings overhead.The airport said “additional mitigating measures” put in place by the police and military were allowing planes to fly again, although at least 100 of the 753 scheduled flights on Friday were due to be cancelled, with planes and crews out of place, and many had already been delayed. | |
| • Military equipment is being used to stop further drone disruption at Gatwick Airport as Transport Secretary Chris Grayling insisted passengers are safe despite the operator not being caught. Grayling revealed patrols were taking place around other airports in the UK “to watch for any other incidents”. | |
| • Police have said that there are ‘persons of interest’ in their investigation, which is working on the theory there is more than one drone, although the last sighting was at around 10pm on Thursday. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry said measures to tackle the threat include “technical, sophisticated options to detect and mitigate drone incursions, all the way down to less sophisticated options - even shotguns would be available to officers should the opportunity present itself.” | |
| • Millions of people are embarking on a Christmas getaway amid warnings of disruption to road, rail and air travel. Drivers are being advised to defer journeys until after 7.30pm if possible as delays of up to nearly two hours are expected on popular routes. The M25, M6 and M40 will be the worst traffic hotspots, according to research by the RAC and transport data firm Inrix. | |
| The Labour Party is turning fire on the government over the drones, accusing Transport Secretary Chris Grayling of a “lack of leadership,” | |
| The shadow transport secretary, Andy McDonald said: | |
| We’re all relieved that Gatwick has reopened, but the Government now needs to admit that the chaos of the past two days was a consequence of its own failures. | |
| The Government has neither understood nor fully assessed the risk posed by drones to the UK’s national infrastructure. It has not undertaken anything like appropriate contingency planning. And it has not prepared properly, despite protective technology being available. | |
| It’s obvious that drones should not be able to get anywhere near an airport before being taken down. But the Government has dithered and delayed on regulating drones. | |
| Police are working on the theory there is more than one drone, although the last sighting was at around 10pm on Thursday. | Police are working on the theory there is more than one drone, although the last sighting was at around 10pm on Thursday. |
| Speaking during the press conference in the last half an hour, Assistant chief constable Steve Barry said measures to tackle the threat include: “technical, sophisticated options to detect and mitigate drone incursions, all the way down to less sophisticated options - even shotguns would be available to officers should the opportunity present itself.” | Speaking during the press conference in the last half an hour, Assistant chief constable Steve Barry said measures to tackle the threat include: “technical, sophisticated options to detect and mitigate drone incursions, all the way down to less sophisticated options - even shotguns would be available to officers should the opportunity present itself.” |
| He added: “In terms of motivation there is a whole spectrum of possibilities, from the really high end criminal behaviour all the way down to just individuals trying to be malicious.” | He added: “In terms of motivation there is a whole spectrum of possibilities, from the really high end criminal behaviour all the way down to just individuals trying to be malicious.” |
| Press still very keen at Gatwick ACC Steve Barry in the midst of it pic.twitter.com/2a7IO1i3WB | Press still very keen at Gatwick ACC Steve Barry in the midst of it pic.twitter.com/2a7IO1i3WB |
| A press conference has kicked off at Gatwick, where the police say that there are “persons of interest”. Frances Perraudin is there for the Guardian: | A press conference has kicked off at Gatwick, where the police say that there are “persons of interest”. Frances Perraudin is there for the Guardian: |
| Assistant chief constable Steve Barry says there are persons of interest in the drones investigation at Gatwick pic.twitter.com/b4zmu16nKr | Assistant chief constable Steve Barry says there are persons of interest in the drones investigation at Gatwick pic.twitter.com/b4zmu16nKr |
| Some more tales of woe now from Gatwick. David Sowter, 79, set off on his journey to visit his daughter in Jersey for Christmas at 5am on Wednesday morning, driving first to Jacksonville in Florida and flying to Fort Lauderdale in order to catch a connection to Gatwick. | Some more tales of woe now from Gatwick. David Sowter, 79, set off on his journey to visit his daughter in Jersey for Christmas at 5am on Wednesday morning, driving first to Jacksonville in Florida and flying to Fort Lauderdale in order to catch a connection to Gatwick. |
| But following the drone sightings his flight was unable to land in London and so was diverted to Paris. After sitting on the runway for four hours, he was put on a bus to Calais and a ferry to Dover. He arrived at Gatwick at 5am on Friday morning. His flight to Jersey is now scheduled to leave at 7pm. | But following the drone sightings his flight was unable to land in London and so was diverted to Paris. After sitting on the runway for four hours, he was put on a bus to Calais and a ferry to Dover. He arrived at Gatwick at 5am on Friday morning. His flight to Jersey is now scheduled to leave at 7pm. |
| He doesn’t have a smart phone and so has been unable to following the unfolding situation with drone sightings. “I’ve got a flip phone. My daughter in Jersey doesn’t even know where I am,” he said. His plans for the rest of the day at Gatwick mainly involve drinking beer. “I already had two at breakfast this morning,” he said. “I had a proper English breakfast with two pints of Guinness.” | He doesn’t have a smart phone and so has been unable to following the unfolding situation with drone sightings. “I’ve got a flip phone. My daughter in Jersey doesn’t even know where I am,” he said. His plans for the rest of the day at Gatwick mainly involve drinking beer. “I already had two at breakfast this morning,” he said. “I had a proper English breakfast with two pints of Guinness.” |
| Taxi driver Paul Richardson and his family are waiting to get on a delayed flight to Tenerife for his 50th birthday. “We were following it yesterday, but we thought that by now it would have been done and dusted,” he said. “I just want to know where it’s coming from. Who’s doing it?” said his daughter Elle-May of the drones. “Who’s laughing at us?” | Taxi driver Paul Richardson and his family are waiting to get on a delayed flight to Tenerife for his 50th birthday. “We were following it yesterday, but we thought that by now it would have been done and dusted,” he said. “I just want to know where it’s coming from. Who’s doing it?” said his daughter Elle-May of the drones. “Who’s laughing at us?” |
| “What people don’t understand is how many people it affects,” she said. “Obviously it affects us the travelers but it also affects the people who work here. We’re lucky that we’re all together. Imagine if you were visiting family who were waiting for you.” | “What people don’t understand is how many people it affects,” she said. “Obviously it affects us the travelers but it also affects the people who work here. We’re lucky that we’re all together. Imagine if you were visiting family who were waiting for you.” |
| The Richardson family also plan to pass the time at Gatwick drinking. | The Richardson family also plan to pass the time at Gatwick drinking. |
| “There’s no point worrying about something you can’t change,” said Karen, Paul’s wife. “We might as well start early and enjoy ourselves.” The family’s spirits have not been dampened yet. “The holiday is going to be fantastic,” said Paul. “I’ve got all my family with me –my girl, my boy. They haven’t been away with us for five years so it’s going to be lovely.” | “There’s no point worrying about something you can’t change,” said Karen, Paul’s wife. “We might as well start early and enjoy ourselves.” The family’s spirits have not been dampened yet. “The holiday is going to be fantastic,” said Paul. “I’ve got all my family with me –my girl, my boy. They haven’t been away with us for five years so it’s going to be lovely.” |
| David Sowter, 79, set off on his journey to visit his daughter in Jersey for Christmas at 5am on Wednesday morning. “I left home and drove to Jacksonville, Florida. Then I flew from there to Fort Lauderdale and got on a Norwegian Air flight to Gatwick,” he told the Guardian. | David Sowter, 79, set off on his journey to visit his daughter in Jersey for Christmas at 5am on Wednesday morning. “I left home and drove to Jacksonville, Florida. Then I flew from there to Fort Lauderdale and got on a Norwegian Air flight to Gatwick,” he told the Guardian. |
| Following the drone sightings his flight was unable to land in London and so was diverted to Paris. After sitting on the runway for four hours, he was put on a bus to Calais and a ferry to Dover. He arrived at Gatwick at 5am on Friday morning. His flight to Jersey is now scheduled to leave at 7pm. | Following the drone sightings his flight was unable to land in London and so was diverted to Paris. After sitting on the runway for four hours, he was put on a bus to Calais and a ferry to Dover. He arrived at Gatwick at 5am on Friday morning. His flight to Jersey is now scheduled to leave at 7pm. |
| He doesn’t have a smart phone and so has been unable to following the unfolding situation with drone sightings. “I’ve got a flip phone. My daughter in Jersey doesn’t even know where I am,” he said. His plans for the rest of the day at Gatwick mainly involve drinking beer. “I already had two at breakfast this morning,” he said. “I had a proper English breakfast with two pints of Guinness.” | He doesn’t have a smart phone and so has been unable to following the unfolding situation with drone sightings. “I’ve got a flip phone. My daughter in Jersey doesn’t even know where I am,” he said. His plans for the rest of the day at Gatwick mainly involve drinking beer. “I already had two at breakfast this morning,” he said. “I had a proper English breakfast with two pints of Guinness.” |
| Taxi driver Paul Richardson and his family are waiting to get on a delayed flight to Tenerife for his 50th birthday. “We were following it yesterday, but we thought that by now it would have been done and dusted,” he said. | Taxi driver Paul Richardson and his family are waiting to get on a delayed flight to Tenerife for his 50th birthday. “We were following it yesterday, but we thought that by now it would have been done and dusted,” he said. |
| “I just want to know where it’s coming from. Who’s doing it?” said his daughter Elle-May of the drones. “Who’s laughing at us? | “I just want to know where it’s coming from. Who’s doing it?” said his daughter Elle-May of the drones. “Who’s laughing at us? |
| “What people don’t understand is how many people it affects. Obviously it affects us the travellers but it also affects the people who work here. We’re lucky that we’re all together. Imagine if you were visiting family who were waiting for you.” | “What people don’t understand is how many people it affects. Obviously it affects us the travellers but it also affects the people who work here. We’re lucky that we’re all together. Imagine if you were visiting family who were waiting for you.” |
| The Richardson family also plan to pass the time at Gatwick drinking. “There’s no point worrying about something you can’t change,”said Karen, Paul’s wife. “We might as well start early and enjoy ourselves.” | The Richardson family also plan to pass the time at Gatwick drinking. “There’s no point worrying about something you can’t change,”said Karen, Paul’s wife. “We might as well start early and enjoy ourselves.” |
| The family’s spirits have not been dampened yet. “The holiday is going to be fantastic,” said Paul. “I’ve got all my family with me: my girl, my boy. They haven’t been away with us for five years so it’s going to be lovely.” | The family’s spirits have not been dampened yet. “The holiday is going to be fantastic,” said Paul. “I’ve got all my family with me: my girl, my boy. They haven’t been away with us for five years so it’s going to be lovely.” |
| A total of 91 of 412 scheduled arrivals have been cancelled, according to Gatwick spokesman, while 64 of 371 scheduled departures have been cancelled. | A total of 91 of 412 scheduled arrivals have been cancelled, according to Gatwick spokesman, while 64 of 371 scheduled departures have been cancelled. |
| He added that “significant” numbers of flights are arriving and departing and advised passengers to check with their airline. | He added that “significant” numbers of flights are arriving and departing and advised passengers to check with their airline. |
| In comparison to the assurances given by Gatwick Airport authorities and the government, quite a different tone is coming from the pilots’ union who have said on Twitter that it remains “extremely concerned” at the risk of a drone collision. | In comparison to the assurances given by Gatwick Airport authorities and the government, quite a different tone is coming from the pilots’ union who have said on Twitter that it remains “extremely concerned” at the risk of a drone collision. |
| BALPA remains extremely concerned at the risk of a drone collision. It is possible that the rogue drones may go undetected around the perimeter or could obstruct the flight paths outside the immediate detection zone. (5/7) | BALPA remains extremely concerned at the risk of a drone collision. It is possible that the rogue drones may go undetected around the perimeter or could obstruct the flight paths outside the immediate detection zone. (5/7) |
| Although the south terminal here at Gatwick is very busy this morning, it is also relatively calm. People seem to have arrived well prepared for the disruption. | Although the south terminal here at Gatwick is very busy this morning, it is also relatively calm. People seem to have arrived well prepared for the disruption. |
| Leigh Wynkoop and her son Paul (pictured below) are sitting on the floor, waiting to catch a flight to New York city before traveling on to their home in Durham, North Carolina. They first arrived at Gatwick on Thursday morning at around 7am for a morning flight and stayed until about 2pm before booking themselves into a nearby hotel. | Leigh Wynkoop and her son Paul (pictured below) are sitting on the floor, waiting to catch a flight to New York city before traveling on to their home in Durham, North Carolina. They first arrived at Gatwick on Thursday morning at around 7am for a morning flight and stayed until about 2pm before booking themselves into a nearby hotel. |
| “I just paid for the hotel myself and kept the receipt because I don’t know what’s going to happen,” she said. Their flight was rescheduled for 9.50am on Friday and then delayed until 1pm. | “I just paid for the hotel myself and kept the receipt because I don’t know what’s going to happen,” she said. Their flight was rescheduled for 9.50am on Friday and then delayed until 1pm. |
| Our flight from New York to back home was this afternoon and I’ve had to reschedule that to the tune of £500. Now we’re not going to make that, so we’re going to sleep on the floor of my aunt’s house in New York city and fly tomorrow. We’ll get home 48 hours later than planned. | Our flight from New York to back home was this afternoon and I’ve had to reschedule that to the tune of £500. Now we’re not going to make that, so we’re going to sleep on the floor of my aunt’s house in New York city and fly tomorrow. We’ll get home 48 hours later than planned. |
| “It’s no one’s fault except for one idiot,” said Wynkoop. “What could the airport do? It’s a safety issue. They couldn’t have flown us. I understand that.” | “It’s no one’s fault except for one idiot,” said Wynkoop. “What could the airport do? It’s a safety issue. They couldn’t have flown us. I understand that.” |
| She added: “It’s just an extraordinary circumstance for everybody and I feel very fortunate that I wasn’t traveling with an infant and that I could afford to get a hotel.” | She added: “It’s just an extraordinary circumstance for everybody and I feel very fortunate that I wasn’t traveling with an infant and that I could afford to get a hotel.” |
| Espen (a 30-year-old who just gave his first name) is also back at Gatwick for the second time in two days. He and his girlfriend are trying to get back home to Hamar in Norway after a holiday in London. | Espen (a 30-year-old who just gave his first name) is also back at Gatwick for the second time in two days. He and his girlfriend are trying to get back home to Hamar in Norway after a holiday in London. |
| I got a notice from Norwegian Air at around 11am in the morning (on Thursday) saying the flight was cancelled. I tried to call them for almost two hours but I couldn’t get through. Then I saw that they had scheduled a plane to Stockholm last night, so we booked that. Then as we were on the way to the airport they cancelled it. | I got a notice from Norwegian Air at around 11am in the morning (on Thursday) saying the flight was cancelled. I tried to call them for almost two hours but I couldn’t get through. Then I saw that they had scheduled a plane to Stockholm last night, so we booked that. Then as we were on the way to the airport they cancelled it. |
| They are hoping to get on a flight at 13.45 today. | They are hoping to get on a flight at 13.45 today. |
| It’s likely that there’s going to be renewed scrutiny into the preparations (or lack of them) in government circles for events like drone disruption at airports. | It’s likely that there’s going to be renewed scrutiny into the preparations (or lack of them) in government circles for events like drone disruption at airports. |
| Discussions date back to at least 2015, though campaigners have in the past accused the Government of a “culture of secrecy” when it comes to drones and the formulation of policy. | Discussions date back to at least 2015, though campaigners have in the past accused the Government of a “culture of secrecy” when it comes to drones and the formulation of policy. |
| Here’s a tweet this morning from a solicitor who acted for an attempt by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Drones to overturn a refusal by the Department for Transport to release details about discussions on drones under the Freedom of Information Act: | Here’s a tweet this morning from a solicitor who acted for an attempt by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Drones to overturn a refusal by the Department for Transport to release details about discussions on drones under the Freedom of Information Act: |
| The @APPGDrones was using #FOIA to push for greater transparency around the @transportgovuk-led discussions re. drone regulation in 2015, yet debate and discussion was resisted. No surprise @chrisgraylingmp is helming this latest disaster https://t.co/TipImiqvs4 | The @APPGDrones was using #FOIA to push for greater transparency around the @transportgovuk-led discussions re. drone regulation in 2015, yet debate and discussion was resisted. No surprise @chrisgraylingmp is helming this latest disaster https://t.co/TipImiqvs4 |
| The original FOI sought details of the ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Cross Government Working Group.’ | The original FOI sought details of the ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Cross Government Working Group.’ |
| In a legal submission, it was said that MPs only became aware of its existence because a member of the Ministry of Defence’s Weapons, Evaluation, Capability and Assurance group alluded it when speaking at an arms fair which took place in September 2013. | In a legal submission, it was said that MPs only became aware of its existence because a member of the Ministry of Defence’s Weapons, Evaluation, Capability and Assurance group alluded it when speaking at an arms fair which took place in September 2013. |
| The committee subsequently committed in 2015 to greater transparency by publishing a list of drones use by government departments, release summaries of meetings and set up what was described as an “oversight board.” | The committee subsequently committed in 2015 to greater transparency by publishing a list of drones use by government departments, release summaries of meetings and set up what was described as an “oversight board.” |
| I’ve just asked the Department for Transport to point us in the direction of where those minutes and other details can be found. | I’ve just asked the Department for Transport to point us in the direction of where those minutes and other details can be found. |
| Gatwick’s chief executive has refused to rule out the the possibility of future drone disruption once the military leave the airport. | Gatwick’s chief executive has refused to rule out the the possibility of future drone disruption once the military leave the airport. |
| Speaking outside of the airport this morning, Chris Woodroofe said there is currently no commercially available equipment he could put in place to neutralise the threat. | Speaking outside of the airport this morning, Chris Woodroofe said there is currently no commercially available equipment he could put in place to neutralise the threat. |
| “This is an unprecedented issue. This isn’t a Gatwick Airport issue. It’s not even a UK issue. It’s an international issue,” he added. | “This is an unprecedented issue. This isn’t a Gatwick Airport issue. It’s not even a UK issue. It’s an international issue,” he added. |
| “What we need to be doing going forward is work with technology providers and with the Government to enhance our ability to address the risk posed by drones to airports,” said Woodroofe. | “What we need to be doing going forward is work with technology providers and with the Government to enhance our ability to address the risk posed by drones to airports,” said Woodroofe. |
| “We have been working with technology providers ourselves for the last 12 months but stood here today, there is no commercially available airport licensed proven technology that I could implement.” | “We have been working with technology providers ourselves for the last 12 months but stood here today, there is no commercially available airport licensed proven technology that I could implement.” |
| Asked if there is anything in place to stop this happening again once the military leave, he said: “My number one priority is going to be the safety of our passengers. And so, if the drone comes and endangers an aircraft then we will suspend runway operations because safety is the number one priority.” | Asked if there is anything in place to stop this happening again once the military leave, he said: “My number one priority is going to be the safety of our passengers. And so, if the drone comes and endangers an aircraft then we will suspend runway operations because safety is the number one priority.” |
| RTE’s London Correspondent, Fiona Mitchell, is at Heathrow this morning, where travellers have been drawing solace from a new source: | RTE’s London Correspondent, Fiona Mitchell, is at Heathrow this morning, where travellers have been drawing solace from a new source: |
| A lot of zen @HeathrowAirport this morning. Sixth time I’ve heard someone say ‘at least it’s not Gatwick’ #HolidaysAreComing pic.twitter.com/CpDnVSdEmH | A lot of zen @HeathrowAirport this morning. Sixth time I’ve heard someone say ‘at least it’s not Gatwick’ #HolidaysAreComing pic.twitter.com/CpDnVSdEmH |
| The pilots’ union guidance on what to do if pilots spot a drone is based around ‘Speed, Inform, Delay, Avoidance and Report’ | The pilots’ union guidance on what to do if pilots spot a drone is based around ‘Speed, Inform, Delay, Avoidance and Report’ |
| Here’s the ‘Speed’ part: | Here’s the ‘Speed’ part: |
| Initially to minimum clean, including during departure | Initially to minimum clean, including during departure |
| On STAR, initial or intermediate approach, request a further reduction to 180kt | On STAR, initial or intermediate approach, request a further reduction to 180kt |
| On final approach observe ATC speed constraints to maintain separation | On final approach observe ATC speed constraints to maintain separation |
| The pilots’ union says it understands that detection and tracking equipment have now been installed around the perimeter of Gatwick, adding that the “rogue drone” may be expected to fly again. | The pilots’ union says it understands that detection and tracking equipment have now been installed around the perimeter of Gatwick, adding that the “rogue drone” may be expected to fly again. |
| The expectation is that if and when the drones reappear, they will be detected and the airport will close again, according to the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA). | The expectation is that if and when the drones reappear, they will be detected and the airport will close again, according to the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA). |
| Brian Strutton, BALPA General Secretary, said: | Brian Strutton, BALPA General Secretary, said: |
| It is up to the relevant authorities to decide whether it is safe to re-open Gatwick given that the rogue drone is still around and may be expected to fly again. | It is up to the relevant authorities to decide whether it is safe to re-open Gatwick given that the rogue drone is still around and may be expected to fly again. |
| BALPA is not aware that any special advice has been given to pilots operating into or out of Gatwick and so we have this morning ensured that all our UK pilots have BALPA’s advice on what to do if they see a drone while flying. | BALPA is not aware that any special advice has been given to pilots operating into or out of Gatwick and so we have this morning ensured that all our UK pilots have BALPA’s advice on what to do if they see a drone while flying. |
| BALPA remains extremely concerned at the risk of a drone collision. It is possible that the rogue drones may go undetected around the perimeter or could obstruct the flight paths outside the immediate detection zone. | BALPA remains extremely concerned at the risk of a drone collision. It is possible that the rogue drones may go undetected around the perimeter or could obstruct the flight paths outside the immediate detection zone. |
| Given this continuing threat we have this morning issued our advice to pilots about steps to be taken if a drone is sighted. | Given this continuing threat we have this morning issued our advice to pilots about steps to be taken if a drone is sighted. |
| If you’ve been affected by the events at Gatwick and would like to share eyewitness accounts or news tips, anonymously if you prefer, with our journalists then please do so via the form here. | If you’ve been affected by the events at Gatwick and would like to share eyewitness accounts or news tips, anonymously if you prefer, with our journalists then please do so via the form here. |
| The form is encrypted and your responses are only seen by the Guardian. You can also contact the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056. | The form is encrypted and your responses are only seen by the Guardian. You can also contact the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056. |
| It’s no coincidence that some of the media outlets suggesting that the drone chaos was the work of environmental activists have a history of climate science denial and anti-environmentalism, according to this piece in DeSmog, an investigative media outlet focusing on climate and environmental issues | It’s no coincidence that some of the media outlets suggesting that the drone chaos was the work of environmental activists have a history of climate science denial and anti-environmentalism, according to this piece in DeSmog, an investigative media outlet focusing on climate and environmental issues |
| The basis for claims that such activists were responsible is “almost nothing” according to Mat Hope, who criticises coverage based on “speculation from an unamed Whitehall source, speculation from the police, and speculation from alt-right climate science deniers.” He adds: | The basis for claims that such activists were responsible is “almost nothing” according to Mat Hope, who criticises coverage based on “speculation from an unamed Whitehall source, speculation from the police, and speculation from alt-right climate science deniers.” He adds: |
| We simply don’t know who is responsible for the Gatwick disruption. It could be a “lone wolf” who maybe identifies as an “environmentalist”. But we don’t know that. | We simply don’t know who is responsible for the Gatwick disruption. It could be a “lone wolf” who maybe identifies as an “environmentalist”. But we don’t know that. |
| And journalists are meant to report facts, not speculation. | And journalists are meant to report facts, not speculation. |
| This is at best bad journalism, and at worst something a lot more sinister. | This is at best bad journalism, and at worst something a lot more sinister. |
| The closure of Gatwick Airport was an “early Christmas present” for those that suffer aircraft noise, according to a campaign group against aviation noise in the area. | The closure of Gatwick Airport was an “early Christmas present” for those that suffer aircraft noise, according to a campaign group against aviation noise in the area. |
| Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions (CAGNE) says residents woke to silence from the airport on 20th December, “offering a glimpse of the tranquillity that they use to enjoy before Gatwick introduced concentrated flight paths (2013-14) and increased the number of aircraft movements”. | Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions (CAGNE) says residents woke to silence from the airport on 20th December, “offering a glimpse of the tranquillity that they use to enjoy before Gatwick introduced concentrated flight paths (2013-14) and increased the number of aircraft movements”. |
| It added: | It added: |
| For tens of thousands of residents of Sussex, Surrey and Kent they enjoyed some respite from the aircraft motorways above their homes that usual, in part, blight their lives day and night, and due to an out of date law, are powerless to take legal action to stop the flights from impacting their wellbeing and house value. | For tens of thousands of residents of Sussex, Surrey and Kent they enjoyed some respite from the aircraft motorways above their homes that usual, in part, blight their lives day and night, and due to an out of date law, are powerless to take legal action to stop the flights from impacting their wellbeing and house value. |
| Although CAGNE, an umbrella community group, does not condone the irresponsible behaviour of flying drones near an airport potentially endangering lives, it was an early Christmas present for those that suffer aircraft noise. | Although CAGNE, an umbrella community group, does not condone the irresponsible behaviour of flying drones near an airport potentially endangering lives, it was an early Christmas present for those that suffer aircraft noise. |
| The group adds that residents feel powerless to stop plans to increase the number of planes above rural homes of Sussex, Surrey and Kent. | The group adds that residents feel powerless to stop plans to increase the number of planes above rural homes of Sussex, Surrey and Kent. |
| Bolstered patrols are meanwhile taking place around other UK airports to watch out for any similar threats of the type which brought Gatwick to a standstill, the transport secretary also revealed this morning. | Bolstered patrols are meanwhile taking place around other UK airports to watch out for any similar threats of the type which brought Gatwick to a standstill, the transport secretary also revealed this morning. |
| Chris Grayling added: “We’re going to be talking very quickly indeed to other airports about other measures they can also take and we should be looking to take to make sure this can’t happen elsewhere.” | Chris Grayling added: “We’re going to be talking very quickly indeed to other airports about other measures they can also take and we should be looking to take to make sure this can’t happen elsewhere.” |