Drones disrupted Jersey Airport for a second night running on Saturday, 31 October 2026, forcing the cancellation of late-evening inbound flights and leaving passengers stranded. At 20:05 on Saturday, Jersey Airport said it was experiencing disruption to inbound flights as a result of further drone activity in the vicinity of the airfield, the BBC reported. The airport later confirmed that four flights were not able to land as scheduled because of what it called illegal and persistent drone activity.

Flights from London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Southampton were cancelled, while an arrival from Madeira was diverted to Paris, according to local reporting. Passengers on one cancelled Gatwick flight had already boarded and waited about an hour before being taken off and put in hotels. Airlines said they were making alternative travel arrangements directly with passengers.

Second night after Friday diversions

The disruption followed a first night on Friday, 30 October, when three inbound flights from Gatwick, Heathrow and Southampton were diverted back to the UK. States of Jersey Police believe two or three drones entered restricted airspace on Saturday and have said the activity is not thought to be linked to terrorism. No operator has been identified, and police have appealed for witnesses, footage and any information about who was responsible.

Government calls it deliberate and unlawful

Jersey Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham described the operation of drones near the airport as deliberate and unlawful, and said the government is working with UK authorities and specialist agencies on better drone detection and counter-drone technology. Police have asked anyone who sees a drone being flown near an airport to call 999. Passengers due to travel through Jersey are advised to check with their airline before setting out, as evening arrivals have been hit on both nights.