Guernsey Ports is reviewing its response plans in case the Bailiwick’s airports are affected by drone incidents like those which caused chaos in Jersey at the weekend.
The incidents caused significant disruption to passengers, airlines and airport operations on Friday and Saturday evenings, with nine planned clinical procedures and a non-emergency air ambulance transfer among the flights cancelled.
Guernsey Ports initially told Express that there had been no incidents in Guernsey or Alderney, and the incidents in Jersey had not had any knock-on impact on local flights.
A spokesperson later said that Ports was continuing to monitor the situation and “has been reviewing its own response planning and risk management arrangements”.
Guernsey Ports is aware of the recent incidents in Jersey and has been closely monitoring developments… and has been reviewing its own response planning and risk management arrangements.
guernsey ports
Ports of Jersey said additional measures have been put in place to try and prevent a recurrence of the weekend’s disruption.
Despite a major search involving the island’s States and Honorary Police, Channel Islands Air Search, Government colleagues, and Ports of Jersey staff to try and find those responsible, no one was caught.
People in Jersey have been asked to remain vigilant and to report any drone sightings to the States of Jersey Police immediately.
Alongside the investigation and immediate response, officials in Jersey are reviewing what more can be done to prepare for future incidents.
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham described the drone activity as “deliberate and unlawful” and warned those responsible that they should expect to face “the full consequences of the law” if identified.
Across the Channel Islands, drone activity is regulated by the Director of Civil Aviation and specifically the Air Navigation (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law.
Operational restrictions apply around both Guernsey and Alderney Airports, Guernsey Harbours and the Guernsey Vessel Traffic Service Zone.
Other parts of Guernsey and Sark also have laws or policies in place governing drone activity.
Drone operators breaking the law can be prosecuted.
