Police given powers to stop and search and use warrant to access drone electronic data

Flying drones within 5km (3.1 miles) of an airport is to be outlawed next month after ministers decided to widen existing no-fly zones to try to prevent a repeat of the Christmas chaos at Gatwick.

The enlarged zone will come into force on 19 March, and will be followed by legislation giving police new powers to stop and search those they believe are misusing the devices and access electronic data stored on a drone.

Gatwick had to shut for more than a day after drones were sighted near the runway in December, causing disruption to the travel plans of about 140,000 people.

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The new exclusion zone will ban drone flight within 5km of runway ends. Ministers also said they would work with the retailer Jessops as part of a national campaign to help educate the public about responsible drone use.

Chris Grayling, the transport secretary, said: “The law is clear that flying a drone near an airport is a serious criminal act. We’re now going even further and extending the no-fly zone to help keep our airports secure and our skies safe.

“We are also working to raise awareness of the rules in place. Anyone flying their drone within the vicinity of an airport should know they are not only acting irresponsibly, but criminally, and could face imprisonment.”

Sajid Javid, the home secretary, added: “Police are clear that stop and search is one of the most powerful tools they have to target and disrupt crime and I remain committed to giving them all the support they need to protect the public.”

The Home Office has also been reviewing the UK’s approach to countering the misuse of drones through new technology.