Flights diverted over Gatwick drone

04 July 2017 06:35

A number of easyJet flights had to be diverted after a drone flew too close to the runway at Gatwick

A number of easyJet flights had to be diverted after a drone flew too close to the runway at Gatwick

Gatwick Airport was forced to close a runway after reports of a drone flying too close to the airfield.

Budget airline easyJet was among those caught up in the disruption on Sunday night, with four flights having to be diverted during the runway closure.

British Airways also had to divert one of its flights.

The incident is a reminder of the importance of taking out travel insurance for peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Drone observation

A Gatwick Airport spokesman said: "Due to reports of a drone observation in the vicinity of the airfield, runway operations at Gatwick were suspended between 18:10 BST and 1819, and again from 1836 to 1841, resulting in a small number of go-arounds and diverts.

"Operations have resumed and the police continue to investigate."

Frankie goes to Gatwick

Holly Johnson, formerly the front man of Liverpool band Frankie Goes To Hollywood, was among the passengers on one of the diverted flights.

The musician took to social media to break the news of the drone to his followers.

He wrote on Twitter: "A Drone on the flightpath into Gatwick : our @British_Airways flight diverted to Bournemouth. On the Tarmac waiting ... for an update"

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