Drone Addicts
  • Drone News
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Drone Discounts
  • Laws & Regulations
  • Drone Reviews
  • About Us
Drone News 0

Gatwick Drone Incident Awards £200,000 to Victims

By Sarah Krolewski · On June 12, 2020

The Gatwick Airport drone incident caused a massive shift in drone security for the rest of the world.

Back in December 2018, drone sightings at the Gatwick Airport caused flight delays and cancellations. This lasted for over a day, with plenty of stranded passengers furious on who was at fault. Because it was during the holidays, the Gatwick Airport was packed with passengers from all over. A single interruption on scheduled flights was a nightmare – the entire airport shutting down for 30 straight hours was inconceivable.

SONY DSC

An Unfortunate Witch-Hunt

During the 30-hour lockdown, a witch-hunt occurred, with people wanting to know the responsible parties. This hunt led to the arrest and detainment of Paul and Elaine Gait. With people wanting to point the blame at someone, this unfortunate couple – who had a solid alibi – had to endure international shame and ridicule.

Over a year later, a court finalizes the verdict. The couple, who was nowhere near the airport, never owned a drone, and was at work during the whole fiasco – was not guilty. They in turn counter-sued the police officials of the area, who stormed their homes with armed men during the arrest. They claimed wrongful arrest and false imprisonment, and awarded £200,000 for their troubles.

Gatwick Aftermath

While this particular page of Gatwick’s history is now over, the aftermath could still be felt today. Security surrounding airports are tighter than ever, especially against drone sightings. While Gatwick chose the correct route by suspending and cancelling flights in fear of a drone collision, a simple fact remains. The airport took a very long time to find the drone and operator in question. The whole affair lasted 30 hours, which is a very unacceptable timetable for such a busy period.

Today’s airports around the world now have anti-drone measures, such as nets, signal jammers, and even anti-drone birds. But will these be enough? Will the world never see such a chaotic drone issue ever again?

Tweet
Pin
Share
0 Shares
Gatwicknews
Share Tweet

Sarah Krolewski

You Might Also Like

  • Drone News

    Everything You Need To Know About the DRL (Drone Racing League)

  • Drone News

    EHang 216 Taxi Drone Flies Passengers in China

  • Drone News

    Is Skydio the New King of Drones?

No Comments

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Chad looking at drone

Welcome to Drone Addicts!

The Internet is full of drone blogs, so why start another one? Simply put, I'm here to create the ultimate community for drone addicts to share news, reviews, and tips. -Chad

Want to chat? Send me an e-mail.

Latest Drone Articles

  • Things to Know Before Buying Your First Drone

    February 22, 2021
  • Top 5 Drones Under $500

    February 22, 2021
  • Everything You Need To Know About the DRL (Drone Racing League)

    February 22, 2021
  • Drone Photography: The Undisputed Top 5

    February 22, 2021
  • UVIFY DRACO versus WALKER F210 3D

    February 22, 2021
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Scholarship
  • Write for Us
  • Advertise on Drone Addicts

© Drone Addicts, 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Drone Addicts with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.