A fast-thinking pilot flying from Dublin Airport to London Gatwick was apparently forced to swerve quickly to avoid a drone, a new report has found.
The frightening incident took place at around 2pm on April 28, 2019 and involved an Airbus A320 which was flying at 1,700ft as it prepared to land in the UK airport.
The report by UK Airprox Board, who investigate near misses on flights, gave the incident the highest possible rating of a Category A which indicates that there was a 'serious risk of collision'.
The report states that "in the final stages of an ILS approach to RW26 at Gatwick", the pilot "saw a dark coloured drone ahead" and swerved to the right to avoid contact.
The report continues: "The reported drone was being flown above the maximum permitted height of 400ft and within controlled airspace such that it was endangering other aircraft at that location.
An Aer Lingus spokesperson said: "Aer Lingus can confirm that any drone sightings by our crew are reported Air Traffic Control and to the relevant authorities.
"We follow the guidance of airport authorities and aviation regulators on this matter to ensure appropriate safety standards are adhered to within commercial air transport airspace.”
