Drone attack falls flat

Authorities at UK airports remained on alert at the weekend for further drone attacks after a much-publicised threat to paralyse Heathrow due to start on Friday failed to take off, with protesters claiming their signals were being jammed.

At least 10 people were arrested, including two caught inside the airport perimeter fence. The Heathrow Pause group behind the action said it was planning to continue attempts to disrupt flights.

Heathrow and police refused media questions on measures they might have taken to stop the protesters’ drones from working, but an expert told the Mirror technology exists which can jam signals between operators and drones.

In a statement on its website on the planned first day of the action, the airport said: “Heathrow’s runways and taxiways remain open and fully operational despite attempts to disrupt the airport through the illegal use of drones in protest nearby.

“We’d like to reassure you that we will continue to work with the authorities to carry out dynamic risk assessment programmes and keep our passengers flying safely on their journeys today.”

It added: “We agree with the need for climate change action but illegal protest activity designed with the intention of disrupting thousands of people, is not the answer.”

www.heathrow.com

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