On December 19, 2018, Gatwick Airport, the second busiest airport in the UK, was forced to shut down its runway for over 36 hours due to reports of drone activity near the airport. The incident caused chaos for thousands of passengers who were stranded at the airport or had their flights cancelled or diverted.
The reports of drone activity were first received by the airport authorities at around 9 pm on December 19. The airport immediately suspended all flights and launched a search operation to locate the drones and their operators. The police were also called in to investigate the incident and provide assistance.
Despite extensive efforts by the airport authorities and the police, the drones were not located until December 21, when they were spotted by a member of the public near the airport perimeter. The police then launched a search operation in the area and arrested two suspects on suspicion of causing disruption to civil aviation.
The incident at Gatwick Airport has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of airports and the potential threat posed by drones. Drones are becoming increasingly popular among hobbyists and enthusiasts, but they can also be used for malicious purposes such as spying, smuggling, or causing disruption to air traffic.
In response to the incident, the UK government has announced new measures to strengthen the regulation of drones and improve their safety and security. These measures include mandatory registration of drones and a requirement for drone operators to pass a safety test before they can fly their drones.
The incident at Gatwick Airport has also highlighted the need for airports to have effective counter-drone systems in place to detect and neutralize any unauthorized drones that may pose a threat to air traffic. Several companies are now offering such systems, which use a range of technologies such as radar, radio frequency detection, and jamming to detect and disable drones.
In conclusion, the incident at Gatwick Airport has demonstrated the potential risks and challenges posed by drones to airports and air traffic. It has also highlighted the need for stronger regulation and better technology to ensure the safety and security of airports and their passengers. As drones become more prevalent in our skies, it is essential that we take proactive measures to mitigate their risks and ensure their safe and responsible use.
