The British Airline Pilots’ Association has responded to the latest drone incident at Heathrow, which saw flights temporarily grounded.

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said:

“This second drone incident in less than a month has shown how important it is that airports invest in drone protection technology immediately. The Government should ensure that every airport does so in the interests of public safety and should accelerate and strengthen its other drone legislation planned for later this year. It’s time to act swiftly and decisively.

“An aircraft or helicopter collision with a drone has the potential to be catastrophic and so it’s right that Heathrow shut until it was sure flights could take off and land safely again. While it may be frustrating for the passengers who are delayed, it’s their safety that must come first.”