Jersey working with UK and specialist agencies after drones disrupt flights again

Jersey is working with UK authorities and specialist agencies after illegal drone use disrupted flights at Jersey Airport for a second consecutive evening.

The Chief Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, has released a statement after the drones caused three more flights into Jersey to be cancelled.

Read more here: Flights affected by drones for second night running - Channel 103

That's on top of three flights that were cancelled yesterday, with many passengers affected on both days.

Read more here: Appeal after drone reports near Jersey Airport - Channel 103

Senator Farnham said:

"The deliberate and unlawful operation of drones in the vicinity of Jersey Airport over the past two evenings has caused significant disruption to passengers, airlines and airport operations.

"I would like to thank the teams from Ports of Jersey, States of Jersey Police, Air Traffic Control, the emergency services and all those involved for their swift and professional response to an extremely challenging situation. Their first priority has rightly been the safety of the travelling public and aircrew.

"The Government and our operational partners are treating these incidents with the utmost seriousness.

"Police investigations are ongoing and every available avenue is being pursued to identify those responsible. We are also working closely with UK authorities and specialist agencies to explore additional operational support, enhanced detection capability and counter-drone technology.

"People should be under no illusion about the seriousness of these actions. Operating a drone close to an airport is not a prank or a harmless hobby. It puts public safety at risk, disrupts critical transport infrastructure and can have significant consequences for hundreds of travellers and businesses.

"To those responsible, the message is clear: if you are identified, you should expect to face the full consequences of the law.

"I would encourage anyone who has information which could assist the investigation, including sightings of drones, operators or potential launch locations, to contact the States of Jersey Police immediately. 

"Jersey Airport remains safe, and we are determined to do everything necessary both to identify those responsible and to strengthen our capability to prevent this happening again. 

"The public can be assured that all relevant agencies are working together at pace and that lessons from these incidents will be acted upon swiftly.

"Our airport is a vital lifeline for the Island. We will not tolerate behaviour that jeopardises its safe operation or undermines public confidence in our transport infrastructure.

If you see someone operating a drone now, police are urging you to call 999.

For any other information that can help police with their enquiries, officers are asking you to call 612612.