Unauthorised drones forced flight cancellations at Jersey Airport for a second consecutive night on Saturday.
The disruption hit Jersey Airport at 20:05 on Saturday evening. Airport management reported inbound flights were affected by further drone activity near the airfield, following similar airspace violations on Friday, October 30. Four flights were unable to land as scheduled, forcing airlines to arrange alternative travel for passengers.
States of Jersey Police Investigation and Sighting Reports
States of Jersey Police launched an investigation into both nights of disruptions, appealing to the public for information and footage. Inspector Rob McCallum stated that investigators believe two or three
drones entered restricted airspace during the incidents, though officers found no indication of a connection to terrorism.
Flight movements at Jersey Airport in the Channel Islands have been disrupted following unauthorized drone activity inside its airspace on Friday night, according to the States of Jersey Police. Authorities are monitoring the situation as investigations continue. pic.twitter.com/moYlaJLBAp
Police asked residents in western Jersey to check dashcam, doorbell, CCTV, and mobile phone recordings. Authorities specifically requested that witnesses in St Peter, La Pulente, Watersplash, El Tico, L’Etacq, and Jubilee Hill report unusual vehicle movements, take-offs, or landings.
If you see someone you believe is currently operating a drone, please do not approach them. Make a note of the location, what you can see and any vehicle details, and call 999 immediately so officers can respond.
States of Jersey Police
Senator Lyndon Farnham Condemns the Airspace Violations
The Chief Minister of Jersey, Senator Lyndon Farnham, addressed the public following the grounded flights, warning that flying unmanned aircraft near the airfield poses severe risks to island infrastructure. Farnham asserted that the breaches were not a prank or a harmless hobby.
To those responsible, the message is clear: if you are identified, you should expect to face the full consequences of the law. The government and our operational partners are treating these incidents with the utmost seriousness.
Senator Lyndon Farnham, Chief Minister of Jersey
The government is collaborating with UK authorities and specialist agencies to deploy counter-drone technology and enhance detection capabilities across the island. Farnham emphasized that the airport functions as a vital lifeline for the island and that transport operations will be strictly protected against future threats.
Impact on Passengers, Jersey RFC, and Local Taxi Operators
The grounded flights stranded travellers during the half-term holiday period. Pacific Basirwe went to the terminal to welcome his wife and young son arriving from London Heathrow before receiving news of the cancellation.
It’s annoying, this should be regulated, and the people doing those things should be prosecuted. It’s been two days in a row now… If there is no further action, they will keep doing it, which is not good.
Pacific Basirwe
Sports teams also felt the financial blow. Jersey RFC reported that their squad’s flight home from Southampton taxied before returning to the stand, where it remained for hours before cancellation around 21:30 GMT. Because half-term limited alternative airline seats, the club incurred unforeseen hotel costs and rebooked travel for Monday morning from Southampton.
Local transport workers described challenging conditions at the terminal. Richard De La Haye, a taxi driver with more than 40 years of experience, explained the difficult choices drivers faced while waiting for delayed arrivals.
It’s a bit of a nightmare because we’re sitting here for a couple of hours really not knowing what’s going to happen. If we pull away and the flights come in then people will be stranded waiting for taxis but if they don’t come in we’re sat here for two hours waiting for passengers.
Richard De La Haye
Passengers scheduled for Sunday morning services have been advised to check with their airlines for updates before traveling to the terminal as investigations continue.