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Gatwick Airport: Drone sightings halt flights Gatwick Airport: Drone sightings halt flights
(35 minutes later)
Flights at Gatwick Airport were suspended amid reports of two drones being flown over the airfield. Flights at Gatwick Airport have been suspended amid reports of two drones being flown over the airfield.
The runway was closed for almost six hours after the devices were seen nearby on Wednesday evening. Flights were grounded and inbound planes were diverted elsewhere. The runway was closed after the devices were seen nearby on Wednesday evening. Flights were grounded and inbound planes were diverted elsewhere.
Passengers have been warned disruption could continue on Thursday.Passengers have been warned disruption could continue on Thursday.
The airport advised those heading to Gatwick to travel or collect relatives to check the status of their flight.The airport advised those heading to Gatwick to travel or collect relatives to check the status of their flight.
A spokesman apologised for any inconvenience and said Sussex Police was working alongside Gatwick staff to investigate the drone sightings.A spokesman apologised for any inconvenience and said Sussex Police was working alongside Gatwick staff to investigate the drone sightings.
According to the airport, the drones were first seen at 21:03 GMT on Wednesday, followed by "multiple reports" of sightings.According to the airport, the drones were first seen at 21:03 GMT on Wednesday, followed by "multiple reports" of sightings.
Kasia Jaworska told the BBC she had been travelling from Glasgow to Gatwick with her boyfriend when her flight was diverted to Luton.Kasia Jaworska told the BBC she had been travelling from Glasgow to Gatwick with her boyfriend when her flight was diverted to Luton.
After spending about two hours on the plane, she said the couple were put on a bus to Gatwick, from where they had been due to fly to Istanbul.After spending about two hours on the plane, she said the couple were put on a bus to Gatwick, from where they had been due to fly to Istanbul.
Ms Jaworska said it was "strange" that two drones had led to the closure of the airport.Ms Jaworska said it was "strange" that two drones had led to the closure of the airport.
"You would imagine there would be better security in place and emergency action for something like that," she said."You would imagine there would be better security in place and emergency action for something like that," she said.
On social media, passengers spoke of flights being diverted to other UK airports, including London Heathrow, Luton and Manchester.On social media, passengers spoke of flights being diverted to other UK airports, including London Heathrow, Luton and Manchester.
Rashna Havewalla said she and her fellow passengers were sat waiting inside their aircraft at Manchester.Rashna Havewalla said she and her fellow passengers were sat waiting inside their aircraft at Manchester.
Drones and airportsDrones and airports
The law says:The law says:
Source: dronesafe.ukSource: dronesafe.uk
Richard Hargreaves' easyJet flight was redirected to Birmingham, with those on board waiting to fly back to Gatwick.Richard Hargreaves' easyJet flight was redirected to Birmingham, with those on board waiting to fly back to Gatwick.
Honor Ireland said her flight had ended up at Stansted, but her car was parked at Gatwick.Honor Ireland said her flight had ended up at Stansted, but her car was parked at Gatwick.
Gatwick Airport said airlines were "working to provide affected passengers with hotel accommodation" or provide alternative travel options.Gatwick Airport said airlines were "working to provide affected passengers with hotel accommodation" or provide alternative travel options.
Have you been affected by the suspension of flights at Gatwick Airport? Let us know by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Have you been affected by the suspension of flights at Gatwick Airport? Let us know by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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