Jersey Airport Drone Activity Diverts Three Inbound UK Flights

Jersey Airport said three inbound UK flights were sent back on Friday evening, October 30, 2026, after unauthorised drones entered restricted airspace. The flights were easyJet from London Gatwick, British Airways from London Heathrow, and Loganair from Southampton.

States of Jersey Police said one of the three later landed in Jersey at around 23:45 GMT. Jersey Airport said the Gatwick flight arrived and the Heathrow and Southampton services were cancelled. Police said no operator had been identified.

Key details

• First reports logged at 8:20 p.m., with further reports until 10:30 p.m. The airport stayed open late for the Gatwick arrival just before midnight.
• Police worked with the Honorary Police, Channel Islands Air Search, Government of Jersey colleagues, and Ports of Jersey staff, and searched several areas in the west of the island.
• Police asked witnesses in St Peter, La Pulente, Watersplash, El Tico, L'Etacq, Jubilee Hill, and nearby areas to come forward.

The reported drone activity occurred within restricted airspace and active flight paths, resulting in significant disruption to airport operations and passengers.

Why it matters

Unauthorised drones in an active Channel Islands approach path put Jersey Airport, Ports of Jersey, and three UK carriers on the same Friday-night disruption record.

What happens next

Police are seeking the operators. Does Jersey Police name a suspect from the west-of-island search?