UK will give additional powers to police to deal with drones misuse. Credit: © Crown copyright.

The Government of the UK will give additional powers to police to deal with the misuse of drones after illegal flights paralysed operations at Gatwick Airport last December.

The proposed measures come after Gatwick Airport noticed illegal drone flights near its airstrip. It resulted in the cancellation of more than 1,000 flights, affecting 140,000 passengers.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

A consultation launched by the government received more than 5,000 responses supporting the proposed legislation.

It will enable the police to force drones to land, search premises and seize drones, as well as requiring users to produce proper documentation.

The government will also work on the expanded use of technology to detect and drive back drones in sites such as airports and prisons.

“These measures help ensure the potential of this technology is harnessed in a responsible and safe way.”

It will expand drone exclusion zones around airports from the existing 1km limit to about 5km.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Operators are now required to register their drones following legislation introduced last November.

UK Aviation Minister Liz Sugg said: “Drones have the potential to bring significant benefits and opportunities, but with the speed of technological advancement comes risk, and safety and security must be our top priorities.

“That’s why we are giving the police powers to deal with those using drones irresponsibly. Along with additional safety measures these will help ensure the potential of this technology is harnessed in a responsible and safe way.”

Police will be able to issue fixed-penalty notices for minor drone offences for immediate and effective enforcement of vital rules.

London Heathrow and Gatwick airports announced that they will acquire military-grade anti-drone equipment to deal with illegal drone flights near airfields.