Police are appealing for witnesses after reports of multiple drones near Jersey Airport diverted three flights and sparked a major search across the west of the island last night.

The first report came at around 8.20pm on Friday, with reported drone activity continuing until approximately 10.30pm.

Police said the activity occurred within restricted airspace and active flight paths, causing significant disruption to airport operations and passengers.

Three inbound aircraft were initially diverted. One was eventually able to land safely at around 11.45pm, with the airport staying open late to accommodate its arrival.

According to FlightRadar, a British Airways flight from Heathrow, a Loganair flight from Southampton and an easyJet flight from London Gatwick were forced to divert while attempting to reach Jersey.

A scheduled 10.15pm departure from Southampton did not take off. A later flight from Gatwick departed around an hour late at 11.07pm and landed in Jersey.

The response involved States and Honorary Police, Channel Islands Air Search, Government colleagues and Ports of Jersey staff.

Searches were carried out across several areas in the west, but no drone operator has yet been identified.

“We should not underestimate the impact that this had on travelling passengers, staff at the airport and the wider community,” police said.

Investigators are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in St Peter, La Pulente, Watersplash, El Tico, L’Etacq, Jubilee Hill or surrounding areas during the evening.

They want to hear from anyone who saw drones, people apparently operating them, or people or vehicles in unusual locations that might be connected.

Anyone with dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage that could help is also asked to come forward. Police have urged anyone who was operating a drone in or around those areas on Friday evening to contact them.

“Even if you believe what you saw was insignificant, please let us know,” the force said.

“A small piece of information, footage or an observation may help officers establish where the drones were being operated from and identify those responsible.”

Police warned that operating drones in restricted airport airspace without appropriate permission can put aircraft, passengers, crew and people on the ground at risk.

Flights scheduled for this weekend appeared to be running normally this morning, with seven aircraft having landed at Jersey Airport.

CAN YOU HELP?

Anyone with information should call police on 612612, quoting reference M07922/2026, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through its online form.