The invasion of drones into the airspace of Gatwick airport has forced the cancellation of flights for the second consecutive day. It is the first time that such an incident has happened and it has led to a chaotic situation with thousands of travelers stranded and their Travel plans ruined. The authorities could be requisitioning the services of the army to help contain the ongoing crisis.

The Guardian reports that Gatwick airport had to close down since Wednesday night because of the drones that flew over the airfield. It has led to a largescale disruption of services and affected travel plans of the passengers.

Police have described it as a deliberate act meant to disrupt flights in and out of Gatwick. Chris Woodroofe, chief operating officer of the airport was unable to say when the airport could resume normal services.

Drones add a new dimension to flight safety

These devices fall into the category of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAVs and are remote-controlled. There were two of them flying over the Gatwick airport, and the local police from Surrey and Sussex entered the scene. They tried to locate the operators of these devices but failed and flights were suspended. In the opinion of the Sussex police, this did not appear to have links with terrorism. Defense secretary Gavin Williamson has informed a section of the media that the police had requested support from the army because they are better equipped to handle such situations.

He added that all-out efforts are on to resume flight operations at the earliest opportunity.

Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed that there is legislation in relation to the use of drones.

The incident at Gatwick airport is illegal. It endangers the safety of aircraft and those involved could face a jail sentence of up to five years. Consultations are on to strengthen the law and give more powers to the police. The British Airline Pilots Association feels the government should give serious thought to increase the area covered by the no-fly zone around airports.

These are a new threat to aviation

BBC also confirmed that the Sussex Police have said this incident of drones flying over Gatwick airport does not have any terrorism undertones. They term it a "deliberate act" of disruption, by the use of drones that have "industrial specification." Several police units are searching for those who are responsible and they could face end up being prosecuted and jailed. The authorities have no choice but to suspend the flights said that the runway would not open "until it was safe to do so".

Incidentally, there is an upward trend in the number of aircraft incidents involving drones. In 2013, the figure was zero but last year it was nearly 100. It is becoming a new threat to aviation and will need global attention. Of course, drones have their use in civil life like delivering food packets within five minutes.
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