Flights prevented from landing at airport by 'illegal and persistent' drones

Flights were disrupted at Jersey airport after drone sightings near the airfield prevented several inbound aircraft from landing on a weekend.

The airport reported illegal and persistent drone activity around its surroundings on Saturday evening, which led to multiple departures and arrivals being unable to land as scheduled.

Airlines adjusted plans: a British Airways flight from Heathrow returned to London mid-air, an ASL Airlines service from Funchal diverted to Paris, and a Loganair service from Southampton to Jersey was cancelled.

The airport confirmed ongoing disruption to inbound flights due to the drone activity and advised passengers to check with their airline for status updates as travel plans were rearranged.

Officials and local authorities launched a police investigation, with discussions about additional UK support, improved detection, and counter-drone measures to address the safety and operational risks prompted by drones near the airport.