1. What actually happened at Gatwick Airport?
On December 19th, 2018, Gatwick Airport was paralyzed by reports of drone sightings near its runways. The sightings led to the immediate suspension of all flights, as the authorities battled to neutralize the perceived threat. The airport remained closed for 36 hours, impacting approximately 140,000 passengers and over 1,000 flights.
2. Were those sightings legitimate?
The validity of the sightings remains a subject of intense speculation. Despite eyewitness reports and police confirmation of drone presence, some skeptics believe it may have been a case of mistaken identity or even a deliberate hoax. Official investigations are ongoing, aiming to establish the truth.
3. How did drones disrupt airport operations?
Drones pose a significant risk to aviation safety, particularly when they infiltrate airport airspace. Even a small drone can cause collisions with aircraft, leading to disastrous consequences. From a regulatory perspective, any sighti