Gatwick chaos as planes forced to divert after 'drone' spotted near airfield

14 May 2023 , 15:24

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A Flightradar24 map showed no planes on the runway at Gatwick Airport at 2.20pm on Sunday (Image: Flightradar24)

British holidaymakers had their flights diverted on Sunday during a suspected drone attack.

The incident caused chaos at Gatwick Airport where all runways were shut down and both arrival and departure flights were canelled.

At least 12 inbound flights were diverted away from Gatwick while investigators searched for the unidentified object.

A Flightradar24 map shows no planes on the runway at 2.20pm.

Some passengers returning home to Gatwick were diverted to other airports including an EasyJet flight which appeared to have touched down in Stansted.

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It was also the unexpected destination for British Airways arrivals from Faro and Palma as well as Vueling passengers flying from Rome, Tui passengers from Kavala and Turkish Airlines passengers from Istanbul.

One departing passenger Halldinoka tweeted: "Stuck at Gatwick airport with a delay of 45 mins and counting because an idiot is flying a drone."

British Airways passengers were among those diverted from Gatwick Airport (Getty Images)

Another passenger Tarquin Cooper said: "Are you aware Gatwick is closed due to drone activity? Been sitting on tarmac for last hour."

A third asked: "What is happening at LGW? All planes are circling or have done a take off/go around."

Drone pilots are not allowed to fly their drones within 5km of any UK airport or above 400ft in the air.

The potential drone was spotted at around 1.45pm with the search lasting for about an hour.

A police helicopter was also reported flying over the airport which has since fully reopened.

Gatwick is the busiest single-runway airport in the world, with little room for manoeuvre when it comes to schedule changes.

Disruption is expected to last for the rest of the day, having a knock on effect on those flying in and out of the airport.

Passengers are not due cash compensation because the disruption is beyond the airlines’ control.

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EasyJet and TUI passengers were also affected as investigators searched for the potential drone (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

But they must be provided with hotel accommodation and meals if they are delayed overnight.

A Gatwick spokesperson said: “Passenger safety is the airport’s absolute priority and – following established procedures.

"Operations at London Gatwick were suspended temporarily at 1344, while investigations into the sighting of a suspected drone close to the airfield took place.

“These investigations have now completed and the airfield reopened.

"Five inbound aircraft were diverted to other airports during the investigation, however we expect these will return to London Gatwick shortly.”

Meanwhile thousands of rail passengers have had their trains cancelled between London and Paris due to strikes in France.

Four trips from St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord were axed during the afternoon and evening, and another four were called off from Paris to London.

Laura Sharman