London sources reported that people going to Gatwick to travel or to meet relatives during the main holiday season have been advised to check the status of their flight first. As per report passengers, who faced delays and diversions after the devices were seen near a runway, were warned disruption could continue into Thursday. Meanwhile the airport said airlines were "working to provide affected passengers with hotel accommodation" or provide alternative travel options.
Reportedly those due to depart on Wednesday said planes were left stuck on the Tarmac, while inbound flights were diverted. Furthermore on social media, passengers spoke of flights being diverted to other UK airports, including London Heathrow, Luton and Manchester. Accordingly a spokesman said the airport would update passengers once there had been "suitable reassurance that is it appropriate to re-open the runway".
Accordingly the drones were first seen around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, followed by "multiple reports" of sightings. Reports added it is illegal to fly a drone within 1km of an airport or airfield boundary flying above 400ft increases the risk of collision with manned aircraft which is a criminal offence and can invite a sentence of five years in jail.
