Not ideal for Christmas.
Gatwick Airport has closed some of its runways after reports of drones flying close to the airport.
Flights in and out of Gatwick were suspended at approximately 9pm on Wednesday night after two drones were spotted near the airport.
Gatwick announced that the runway had reopened at about 3am on Thursday, but 45 minutes later, it was closed again.
Gatwick Airport released the following statement: “Following reports of two drones flying over the Gatwick airport airfield at around 9pm, the airfield was closed from 21:03 on Wednesday 19 December to 03:01 on Thursday 20 December. Unfortunately, a further sighting of drones in the vicinity of the airport has forced the runway to be closed again from 03:45 as we investigate the sighting alongside Sussex police.”
The statement adds: “We will update when we have suitable reassurance that it is appropriate to reopen the runway.”
Various flights were unable to leave the tarmac while others were diverted to different airports.
The Guardian have reported that some passengers were sent as far as Amsterdam and Paris.
All passengers flying into, or departing from Gatwick, are advised to check the status of their flight.
Thursday 07.40: Flights to and from Gatwick remain suspended, due to drone activity. Please do not travel to the airport without checking with your airline first. We 're sorry for the inconvenience today, but the safety of our passengers and staff is our no.1 priority.
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) December 20, 2018
Due to drone activity on the airfield at Gatwick, all arriving and departing flights are currently suspended. Please check with your airline before travelling to the airport today. We're sorry to everyone affected, safety is our number 1 priority . https://t.co/LN7y8GCJoN
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) December 20, 2018
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) December 20, 2018
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
