Unauthorised drone activity near Jersey Airport forced flight cancellations and diversions for a second consecutive night on Saturday, stranding travelers, grounding a local rugby squad, and prompting stern warnings from government officials.
Jersey Airport announced at 20:00 GMT that it was experiencing disruptions affecting inbound flights due to further drone activity in the vicinity of the airfield. States of Jersey Police have launched an investigation into the incidents and are appealing for public assistance to identify those responsible. Inspector Rob McCallum stated that investigators believe two or three drones entered the restricted airspace, though he added that the incursions are not currently thought to be linked to terrorism.
The repeated disruptions have rippled across travel plans and local organizations. Pacific Basirwe was waiting at the terminal for his wife and young son to fly in from London Heathrow when their flight was canceled. Expressing his frustration, Basirwe said the activity should be strictly regulated and those responsible prosecuted, warning that inaction would only encourage repeat offenses.
The disruption also trapped Jersey RFC, whose squad was forced to return to the stand after their flight from Southampton had started to taxi. A club spokesperson explained that because the team traveled on a group booking during a half-term week, immediate rebooking was impossible, forcing the players to wait until Monday morning. The spokesperson estimated that the grounded flight will cost the community club thousands of pounds in unforeseen hotel expenses and travel adjustments, noting that the incident “couldn’t be further from a ‘bit of fun.'”
Other passengers faced unexpected international detours. Iselin Jones, director of The Moorings Hotel, was flying home from Madeira when her aircraft was told to circle for 10 to 15 minutes before being diverted to Paris. Jones noted that passengers booked on a rescheduled Sunday evening flight felt anxious about potential repeat disruptions, given that the drone activity had consistently occurred after dark.
Local commercial operators have also felt the pinch. Richard De La Haye, a taxi driver with over four years of experience on the island, described the airspace violations as a logistical nightmare for drivers waiting at the terminal without knowing whether flights would eventually land or leave passengers stranded.
Chief Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham condemned the illegal drone operations, emphasizing that flying unmanned aircraft near an airfield is neither a prank nor a harmless hobby. Farnham warned that anyone identified should expect to face the full force of the law.
Government authorities and operational partners are treating these security breaches with the utmost seriousness, Farnham said, adding that officials are actively collaborating with UK authorities and specialist agencies to explore enhanced detection capabilities, counter-drone technology, and additional operational support. While assuring the public that Jersey Airport remains safe and serves as a vital lifeline for the island, the Chief Minister vowed that officials will take swift action to prevent further disruptions and protect the transport infrastructure.
