Drone Activity Disrupts Jersey Airport for Two Consecutive Nights

Police are appealing for witnesses after multiple drones entered restricted airspace on October 30 and 31. The Government of Jersey says it is exploring enhanced detection and counter-drone technology with UK authorities.

Unauthorized drone activity near Jersey Airport disrupted flights in the Channel Islands on the evenings of Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026, according to BBC News. Flights were canceled or diverted to other airports, including Paris. As a result, States of Jersey Police have launched an appeal for witnesses and information.

Jersey Airport drone response

According to a States of Jersey Police statement, the first report came in at about 8:20 p.m. on October 30, and the reported drone activity continued until about 10:30 p.m. The drones operated within restricted airspace and active flight paths. Three inbound aircraft were initially diverted, and one later landed safely in Jersey at about 11:45 p.m., with the airport staying open to accommodate it.

The response involved States of Jersey Police, the Honorary Police, Channel Islands Air Search, the Government of Jersey and Ports of Jersey staff. Officers and partner agencies searched several areas in the west of the island. However, police have not yet identified a drone operator, and enquiries are continuing.

Disruption returned the next evening. At 20:05 GMT on Saturday, Jersey Airport reported disruption “affecting inbound flights as a result of further drone activity in the vicinity of the airfield,” BBC News reported. Inspector Rob McCallum told the BBC that police believed “two or three” drones had entered restricted airspace on Saturday, and that the activity was not thought to be linked to terrorism. Airline Loganair canceled its Southampton-to-Jersey flights on both evenings, and Jersey RFC told the BBC that the cancellation of its team’s flight home would cost the club “thousands and thousands of pounds.” According to the BBC, there were no reports of disruption on Sunday evening.

Government response and counter-drone measures

Senator Lyndon Farnham, chief minister of Jersey, told the BBC that the government was treating the incidents “with the utmost seriousness.”

“We are also working closely with UK authorities and specialist agencies to explore additional operational support, enhanced detection capability and counter-drone technology,” Farnham said. “Operating a drone close to an airport is not a prank or a harmless hobby. It puts public safety at risk, disrupts critical transport infrastructure and can have significant consequences for hundreds of travellers and businesses. To those responsible, the message is clear – if you are identified, you should expect to face the full consequences of the law.”

Residents have since called for “severe” deterrents, BBC News reported in a follow-up. Under the Air Navigation (Jersey) Law 2014, drone pilots may not fly within an aerodrome traffic zone without permission from air traffic control. The BBC noted that anyone found to have endangered the safety of an aircraft could face a fine or up to five years in prison.

Police Appeal for Witnesses

Police are asking to hear from anyone who was in St Peter, La Pulente, Watersplash, El Tico, L’Etacq, Jubilee Hill or surrounding areas on Friday evening. In particular, they want information from anyone who saw drones or drone operators, noticed people or vehicles in unusual locations, or has dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage. Police also asked anyone who was flying a drone in those areas that evening to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact States of Jersey Police on 612612, quoting reference M07922/2026, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

More information is available at States of Jersey Police.

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