Specialist drone-detection equipment is now in Jersey to help agencies detect and respond to any further reports of drone activity at the Airport.
The government confirmed the strengthened response in an update this afternoon, saying Jersey Airport was operating safely and operational partners remained vigilant.
Police are continuing to pursue “all credible lines of enquiry”, with specialist support assisting the investigation into the recent drone activity.
The government said the detection capability now on the Island would give agencies an enhanced ability to detect, assess and respond to any further reports.
It comes after suspected drone sightings around Jersey Airport on Friday and Saturday evenings caused significant disruption to passengers, airlines and airport operations.
Three inbound aircraft were initially diverted on Friday. One was eventually able to land at around 11.45pm, with the Airport remaining open to accommodate its arrival.
A major search involving States and Honorary Police, Channel Islands Air Search, government officials and Ports of Jersey staff followed reports of multiple drones.
Nine planned clinical procedures were cancelled and a non-emergency air ambulance transfer had to be aborted following the incidents.
Police will follow the evidence wherever it leads
The government is also now considering lessons from recent days, including what additional equipment, rules and specialist support Jersey might need in future.
However, some operational details are being withheld to avoid undermining the investigation or agencies’ ability to respond effectively.
The update also addressed speculation about who might be responsible and their motives.
“There has been speculation about who may be responsible and why,” it said.
“It would be wrong to speculate while the police investigation continues. Police will follow the evidence wherever it leads.”
The government sought to reassure Islanders, airlines and travellers that Jersey’s response had been strengthened and agencies were prepared to respond to further reports.
Anyone with information that could help identify those responsible is asked to call police on 612612, quoting M07922/2026.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Statement from Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles:
The disruption caused by the recent drone activity has had a significant impact on Islanders, passengers, airlines and our Island’s connectivity, and I recognise the concern this has caused.
Our airport is a vital lifeline for the Island. We will not tolerate behaviour that puts its safe operation at risk or causes this level of disruption to Islanders.
The public should be reassured that the police investigation remains active and extensive. All credible lines of enquiry are being pursued, with specialist support assisting that work to help establish who was responsible and the circumstances surrounding these incidents.
We recognise there has been speculation about who may be responsible and their motives. It would be wrong to speculate while the investigation continues. Police are pursuing all credible lines of enquiry and will follow the evidence wherever it leads.
Those responsible should be under no illusion about the seriousness with which these incidents are being treated. Their actions have disrupted people’s lives, affected essential services and put the Island’s connectivity at risk. They should expect to face the full consequences of the law.
At the same time, our immediate response has been strengthened through specialist drone detection capability on Island. This means our agencies are better equipped to detect, assess and respond to any further reports of drone activity.
Jersey Airport is operating safely, and our operational partners remain vigilant.
There are operational details we cannot disclose, because doing so could undermine the investigation or our ability to respond effectively. But Islanders, airlines and travellers should be reassured that Jersey’s response has been strengthened.
We are also looking beyond the immediate incident. Government is considering the lessons from recent days and what further measures Jersey may need for the future, including our capability, regulatory arrangements and access to specialist support.
Our focus is therefore both immediate and longer term to protect the public and Jersey’s connectivity now, while ensuring we learn from these incidents and are properly equipped for the future.
Protecting public safety and maintaining Jersey’s connectivity remain our priorities. We will continue to work with police, Ports of Jersey and our partners to ensure the Island is as well prepared as possible.
Islanders, airlines and travellers should be reassured that Jersey is alert, its response has been strengthened, and agencies are prepared to respond to any further reports.
