UK Police Set to Gain New Drone Enforcement Powers as Gatwick Reports Surge in Airspace Violations

British law enforcement agencies are preparing to implement new fixed penalty powers for drone violations, as Gatwick Airport reports 368 unauthorized drone sightings in its flight restriction zone during 2023. The development comes as airport officials and aviation groups push for stronger enforcement of existing regulations, according to information shared with the BBC South East Investigations Team.

The timing is particularly significant as it coincides with the sixth anniversary of the infamous 2018 Gatwick drone incident that resulted in 30 hours of airport closure, affecting 140,000 travelers across 1,000 flights. Mark Johnston, Gatwick’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasizes that while most violations lack malicious intent, each incident requires full security protocols that drain substantial airport resources.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) reports an increasing frequency of drone sightings near airports nationwide. Stuart Clarke, a Balpa flight safety advisor, warns of the severe risks posed by drone encounters: “A drone that is too close might hit the airplane, and when the engines are going at max power, they might be sucked into the engines, and that really can’t afford to happen.”

Recent incidents underscore these concerns. In January 2024, a particularly alarming near-miss occurred when a drone reportedly came within 5 feet of an Airbus A321 passenger aircraft at approximately 10,000 feet above Sevenoaks, Kent. The incident highlights the persistent challenges airports face in securing their airspace despite existing regulations.

Current UK drone regulations mandate that operators:

• Maintain a 3.1-mile (5km) distance from airports without explicit authorization
• Register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for drones weighing over 8.8 ounces (250 grams) or equipped with cameras
• Pass a CAA competency test for drones exceeding the weight threshold
• Keep their aircraft within visual line of sight
• Observe a maximum altitude of 400 feet (120 meters) unless specifically authorized

Graham Brown, chair of ARPAS-UK (Association of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems), advocates for enhanced point-of-sale education, suggesting that preventing violations requires better upfront awareness of legal requirements. This approach could help address the surge in incidents affecting not only commercial aviation but also emergency services, as evidenced by recent close calls with air ambulances in the Bath area.

The Department for Transport maintains its commitment to enforcement, stating that drone operators who violate regulations face “tough penalties.” However, the proposed fixed penalty notice system would provide law enforcement with more immediate tools to address infractions, potentially deterring casual violations while allowing more serious cases to face fuller prosecution.

For the drone industry, these developments signal a potential shift toward more stringent enforcement of existing regulations rather than new restrictions. This approach could help balance the growing commercial and recreational drone sector with essential aviation safety requirements.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​