Drone tracking technology is being used at Heathrow after drone sightings forced flights to be temporarily suspended.

The equipment - a radar system with the technology to stop the devices from flying in a certain zone - is being operated by the RAF over the airfield to "quickly detect and disrupt any illegal drone activity".

It was flown in by a Chinook helicopter at 10pm on Tuesday after Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the military was "preparing to deploy the equipment used at Gatwick at Heathrow quickly should it prove necessary".

The Metropolitan Police deployed "significant resources" to monitor the London hub airport after a drone was spotted shortly after 5pm.

Departures were quickly stopped as a precaution, and were resumed an hour later, with the airport fully operational by 10pm.


The force said it was continuing to make "extensive inquiries" on Wednesday after launching a full criminal investigation and that "anyone caught illegally operating drones will be dealt with robustly".

Image: Passengers at Heathrow faced delays after the disruption

Met Police Commander Stuart Cundy said officers were among a number of people who saw the drone, and "extensive searches" were being carried out in the Heathrow area to identify who may have been responsible.

"Our priority is keeping the airspace over London's airports safe for the thousands of planes flying in and out every week.

"Any deliberate acts to endanger the airfield and aircraft are serious offences that can carry lengthy prison sentences. If flown into the path of an aircraft, a drone has the potential to cause great harm to those on-board.

"We understand the extensive frustration and inconvenience that suspending flights causes the public.

Image: British Airways aircraft sit on the tarmac at Heathrow after the reported drone sighting

"If you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area of the airport, or you believe you have sighted a drone or model aircraft in the area of an airport, then please dial 999 immediately."

"However, we will not be discussing in any further detail the range of tactics available to us as this would only serve to potentially undermine their effectiveness."

The airport said it was working closely with the Met Police following "reports of drones" and to "prevent any threat to operational safety".

It added: "We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience this may cause."

My luck, drone sighting and Now my flight is at standstill just before departure ! #Heathrow pic.twitter.com/yt3EQ6Xv5v — Nadim Baig (@nadimbaig) January 8, 2019

It is understood the airport's northern runway was closed, while its other runway remained open.

The disruption lasted for a much shorter period compared with the more than 36 hours that Gatwick Airport was closed for last month after multiple drones were spotted.

Gatwick was severely disrupted shortly before Christmas when the devices were sighted on three consecutive days. About 1,000 flights were cancelled or diverted then, affecting 140,000 passengers.

Image: It is understood that the northern runway was closed. File pic

Heathrow and Gatwick have recently said they are investing millions in technology to combat the threat of drones.

Under new rules announced this week, the devices will have to stay further away from airports.

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

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