Gatwick Airport pilot reports disc-shaped object near aircraft

A pilot reported seeing a disc-shaped object, possibly a drone, during an approach to Gatwick Airport in London. The UK Airprox Board investigated the incident involving an Airbus A319, noting the object flew extremely close to the aircraft, approximately 30 to 90 meters from the right wing. While no evasive maneuvers were required, investigators concluded that aircraft safety was reduced during the encounter.

This report follows other recent drone-related disturbances in the United Kingdom. In a separate incident near Heathrow Airport, a crew on an Airbus A321 reported a drone flying dangerously close to the left side of their aircraft during their approach.