Drone causes disruption at Gatwick airport
A drone flying close to Gatwick Airport led to the closure of the runway and forced five flights to be diverted, the BBC reports.
A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport is…
A drone flying close to Gatwick Airport led to the closure of the runway and forced five flights to be diverted, the BBC reports.
A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport is quoted as saying: “Runway operations at Gatwick were suspended between 18:10 BST and 18:19, and again from 18:36 to 18:41, resulting in a small number of go-arounds and diverts.
“Operations have resumed and the police continue to investigate.”
The UK Drone Code, updated in November 2016, states:
- Don’t fly near airports or airfields
- Remember to stay below 400ft (120m)
- Observe your drone at all times – stay 150ft (50m) away from people and property
- Never fly near aircraft
- Enjoy responsibly
The Civil Aviation Authority told the BBC, “”It is totally unacceptable to fly drones close to airports and anyone flouting the rules can face severe penalties including imprisonment.”
