Garry Graham, Prospect’s deputy general secretary, said:

“The drone disruption in Gatwick comes as little surprise to those in the aviation industry who have been arguing that the lack of effective regulation and enforcement is an accident waiting to happen.

“Prospect, alongside other aviation unions, has been arguing at a UK and European level for a tough regulatory framework supported by a robust enforcement regime. Without things like geofencing, drone registration and training, backed up by greater publicity of the laws and adequately-resourced enforcement, this kind of event will only become more common.

“We pay tribute to the ATCOs at Gatwick who have acted speedily to ensure passenger safety. We must ensure that the CAA has the resources and the legal powers to ensure that passenger safety is not put at risk in this way again.”