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 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 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 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 , suggesting that preventing violations requires better upfront awareness of 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 无人机操作员 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 , 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.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


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Haye Kesteloo
Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo is a leading drone industry expert and Editor in Chief of DroneXL.coEVXL.co, where he covers drone technology, industry developments, and electric mobility trends. With over nine years of specialized coverage in unmanned aerial systems, his insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, and cited by The Brookings Institute, Foreign Policy, Politico and others.

Before founding DroneXL.co, Kesteloo built his expertise at DroneDJ. He currently co-hosts the PiXL 无人机表演 on YouTube and podcast platforms, sharing industry insights with a global audience. His reporting has influenced policy discussions and been referenced in federal documents, establishing him as an authoritative voice in drone technology and regulation. He can be reached at haye @ dronexl.co or @hayekesteloo.

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