Drones are becoming more affordable and easily accessible to the general public in recent times. Owing to significant improvement in their performance and efficiency, they prove to be useful in various industries like construction, agriculture, and more. However, the intrusion of unauthorized UAVs in the airport airspace is a serious concern that demands attention.
No doubt, the Gatwick Airport drone incident that affected 140,000 passengers and 1,000 flights is a prominent example. (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-sussex-65591023) However, apart from that, there are several other incidents shedding light on the dangers of illegal drones hovering over airport airspace. Therefore, leveraging the anti-drone solutions has become more essential than ever before. Read on to explore the ways to strengthen airport security and ensure optimum protection against malicious drones. Let’s dive in!
Risks of Drones to Airports
Illegal drones can interfere with the regular operations of the airports in several ways. Some of the prominent risks are listed below.
· Collision: When the unauthorized drones go out of control, they can collide with the aircraft during landing or take-offs. As a result, it can cause damage to the aircraft and affect the safety of passengers. Even at slow speeds, the collision can result in extensive deformation of the aeroplane’s skin and additional damage to the internal structure.
· Illicit Activities and Smuggling: Malicious individuals may use drones to drop explosives at airports or smuggle contraband. All these can give rise to terror among passengers and impact their trust in the airport authorities.
· Privacy Concerns: Modern UAVs come with advanced cameras and other features that enable them to conduct thorough surveillance of airports without permission. It can affect the privacy of passengers, airport staff, and interfere with airline operations.
· Delays and Cancellations: The sighting of illegal drones near airports may force the authorities to suspend flights for safety reasons. Due to cancellations and delays, passengers may have to experience inconvenience and financial losses.
Steps to Counter Drone Threats in Airports
Now that you are well aware of the drone threats in airports, it is time to implement the anti-drone system and safeguard the airspace. To do so, here are the essential steps you need to follow.
· Define Threats
Airports must first determine the level of drone threats that require a response. For instance, a low threat may indicate the presence of illegal drones outside the perimeter of the airport. On the other hand, high threat may denote the hovering of UAVs with immediate risk to airport operations.
· Leverage Drone Detectors
After categorizing the threats, airports must use drone detectors to identify the approaching UAVs from a distance. These devices can monitor your airspace continuously, notify you of the potential dangers, and ensure prompt actions.
· Counter Drones
On identification of malicious drones, you need to leverage a stationary drone jammer or handheld drone jammer to cut off the communication link between the drone and its controller. It forces the UAVs to landing or returning. The drone jammer plays a pivotal role in rendering the unauthorized drones useless and failing their mission.
Conclusion
Counter drone systems are at the core of enhancing security and safety at airports. When planning to invest in these devices, partner with reliable suppliers to get the best solutions at reasonable prices.