The Dangers of Official Hysteria for Drone Operations
Lights in the Sky Over Gatwick - Which is the Drone? In late December 2018, the UK witnessed a significant event that highlighted the complexities of balancing technological advancement and public safety. The closure of Gatwick Airport due to a suspected drone incursion brought to the fore the issue of how official reactions to emerging technologies can sometimes veer into the realm of hysteria. The Gatwick Incident: A Catalyst for Change The Gatwick closure, caused by the reported sighting of drones near the runway, led to widespread travel chaos. Over a thousand flights were affected, impacting approximately 140,000 passengers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The response from authorities, while aiming to ensure public safety, raised questions about proportionality and preparedness in the face of new technological challenges. Public Reaction: Fear and Scepticism Following the incident, public opinion in the UK towards drones took a noticeable t...