Airports: Unmanned Air Systems
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with Gatwick Airport on the cost resulting from drones near the airport in 2018.
Answered by Department for Transport
My Department regularly engages with AirportsUK, individual airports and other partners on the risk that drone incursions pose to airport security and resilience. We also work closely with Home Office on the role of advanced counter-drone technologies in detecting and deterring unauthorised drone activity around sensitive sites and critical infrastructure such as airports.
Since the disruption at Gatwick in 2018, government and industry have worked together to strengthen preparedness for drone incursions. As part of this work, we are commissioning guidance to support airports in understanding drone-related risks and appropriate mitigations.
My Department has not undertaken a formal assessment of the cost of drone incursions as specified, and does not hold estimates for such costs.
This Government is also taking action to improve compliance and reduce the risk of drone misuse. Last year, we concluded a review of UK drone regulations, and are now implementing the recommendations, including measures to increase awareness and understanding of the rules as well as new requirements relating to geo-awareness. Together, these measures are intended to reduce the risk of inadvertent drone activity in restricted airspace, including around airports.
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