Drones will have to stay further away from airports under new rules.

Airport exclusion zones will be extended to about 5km (three miles) from the current 1km, with additional extensions at runway ends.

Drone users can be fined or even jailed if they fly a drone within these zones.

Also, operators of drones weighting between 250g and 20kg will have to register and take an online drone pilot competency test from 30 November.

Image: Drone sightings caused chaos at Gatwick before Christmas

Police officers will also be given new powers to deal with drone pilots who break the law and the government will test counter-drone technology.


The measures were announced by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling in parliament on Monday.

Image: Thousands of passengers were stranded at Gatwick

They come after drone sightings at Gatwick, the UK's second-busiest airport, led to the cancellation of 1,000 flights, ruining the holiday plans of 140,000 passengers just before Christmas.

"The disruption caused by drones to flights at Gatwick airport last month was deliberate, irresponsible and calculated, as well as illegal," Mr Grayling told parliament.

Police searched dozens of potential launch sites near the airport, but were not able to locate the device.

Two people were arrested over the disruption and questioned in custody for 36 hours but they were released without charge.

Mr Grayling said the problems at Gatwick were solved by "some smart and innovative use of new technology" which he would not go into detail about due to "security reasons".

He added: "I am clear the government is taking action to ensure that passengers have confidence their journeys will not be disrupted in future, aircraft can safely use our key transport hubs and criminals misusing drones can be brought to justice."