Child’s lost birthday drone sparked panic and shut Gatwick
A CHILD’S lost birthday drone closed Gatwick for almost an hour.
The panic shut runways and meant 12 inbound flights were diverted to Luton, Southend and Bristol.
A dad on Facebook reported his lad’s gift missing at 1.40pm on Sunday, four minutes before operations were suspended.
They resumed 50 minutes later.
The dad and son were in Goffs Park, Crawley — inside the five-mile airport exclusion zone.
The dad, seemingly unaware of the £1m-plus of chaos caused, said: “My son was learning to fly his drone 15–20 mins ago and it’s disappeared.
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“Looked like went towards town, so please if anyone finds it could you message on post.
“I know it’s not an expensive one but it was his birthday present and is in pieces over it.”
Robin Filton replied to the post: “Child’s toy or not you are supposed to not fly one (does not matter how high you fly it) within 5km of the airport and Goffs park is within that zone.
“It’s an offence to do it with police showing up if you do.”
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Markglad Gazmin added: “Shouldn’t be flying drones near airport in the first place.”
Drone experts Eagle Eye Innovations said: “This is another example of why education on drones is so important to maximise enjoyment in a safe and legal manner.”
Police said the matter was being left with Gatwick to investigate and resolve.