Rising airport drone alerts raise safety concerns

Drone incidents are escalating near airports, with flights at Jersey Airport disrupted on 30 and 31 October after unauthorized drone activity. Services were cancelled or diverted, adding to a broader pattern seen worldwide. Daniel Clarke, chief technology officer at StirlingX, said the rise in low-cost consumer drones is driving more incursions into UK and European airports, and that some users may not understand the consequences. UK rules require drones to stay below 400ft (120m) and at least 164ft (50m) from people, and they cannot be flown over crowds. Extra restrictions apply near airports and other sites protected by flight restriction zones, while the Channel Islands follow separate regulations. For Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Alderney, drones aren’t allowed within two nautical miles of airports without permission. The article also notes modern drones have become more accessible due to advances from smartphone technology and cheaper components.