Drone-related London air incidents on the rise

The number of reported incidents involving drones and aeroplanes using London’s airports increased significantly in 2016. According to a report published by the Evening Standard today (25 January), there were 26 incidents involving drones and Heathrow planes in 2016, compared to seven in 2015.

Ten of these incidents were classed as “category A” – which means there was a “serious risk of collision”.

There were also reportedly three drone-related “near misses” with City Airport and Stansted planes.

The Evening Standard report said that it was drawing on information from the UK Airprox Board.

The report went on to claim that “in total there were reports of at least 36 London-linked drone incidents involving passenger planes last year”.

There were a number of occasions last year when London media reported “near misses” between drones and commercial aircraft – but no actual hits.

As previously reported, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has published a code of practice for drone users which specifically outlines the dangers of operating the unmanned vehicles near airports.