Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 9,500+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Huge rise in illegal drones flying near Newcastle Airport
The Journal
|June 14, 2025
NEWCASTLE Airport has seen an increase of more than 500% in drones being flown illegally in its restricted airspace over the last year. The airport recorded 98 unauthorised drone sightings in its Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) between January and May this year, a significant rise from 16 incidents during the same period last year.
The FRZ covers a 5km radius around the Airport and encompasses areas including Ponteland, Darras Hall, Callerton, Westerhope and Great Park. Flying a drone within the FRZ without prior permission from the airport is a criminal offence, and offenders face unlimited fines or up to five years in prison if found guilty.
The zone is monitored by the airport's Air Traffic Control team, which bosses say plays a vital part in safeguarding aircraft operations and keeping passengers, crew and the community safe. Paul Farmer, director of operations at Newcastle Airport, described the increase in drone activity in the vicinity of the Airport as “concerning”.
This story is from the June 14, 2025 edition of The Journal.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Journal
The Journal
Durham's bonus points could help secure safety
CENTURIES frorn Emilo Gay and Will Rhodes helped Durham pick up five crucial batting bonus points as they drew their Rothesay County Championship meeting with already relegated Worcestershire.
3 mins
September 19, 2025
The Journal
Motorcyclist badly hurt in collision
A teenage motorcyclist has been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after a crash in Newcastle.
1 min
September 19, 2025
The Journal
5 reasons you may be losing hair
EXPERTS REVEAL WHY YOU MAY BE NOTICING YOUR HAIR THIN AS YOU AGE. BY LARA OWEN
2 mins
September 19, 2025
The Journal
More planes, more pollution
AS the hottest year on record moves towards its end, the challenge of reducing our emissions grows ever more urgent.
1 min
September 19, 2025
The Journal
Protests across France
PROTESTERS have hit France with transport strikes, demonstrations and traffic blockades, pitting the power of the streets against President Emmanuel Macron’s government and its proposals to cut funding for public services.
1 mins
September 19, 2025
The Journal
Council steps up safety checks on ill-fated flyover
MORE regular safety checks for the condemned Gateshead Flyover have been promised, after a vehicle was hit by debris falling from the crumbling structure.
1 mins
September 19, 2025
The Journal
Today, take a dip into poetry then a less fragrant topic
AUTUMN arrives and according to the poet John Keats, it’s 'the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.
3 mins
September 19, 2025
The Journal
Blooming marvellous
COMMUNITIES from across the North East came together in the 61st Northumbria in Bloom competition.
1 min
September 19, 2025
The Journal
Rashford double as Spanish giants take spoils at St James'
NEWCASTLE United fans showed warm appreciation in defeat against Barcelona on a night that may prove to be a learning curve for the Magpies.
3 mins
September 19, 2025
The Journal
DISTURBING NIGHTLIFE TREND AS VOYEURISM OFFENCES SOAR
VOYEURISM offences have soared in England and Wales over the last decade amid concern over a disturbing trend in “nightlife videos” online.
2 mins
September 19, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size