Drone Incident at Gatwick/Travel Insurance

Lots of people were affected by the recent drone incident affecting flights at Gatwick airport, the majority of travel insurers have since advised that they will consider claims under the Cancellation/Curtailment section only as it has now been publicly announced that the disruption at Gatwick has been deemed a criminal act.

It is
illegal to fly drones within 1 km (0.6 mile) of a British airport boundary.
Criminal act is not typically a specified peril under the Travel delay or
Missed Departure sections though. On this basis, clients will still need to
seek reimbursement from the airline/tour operator in the first instance.

However, where people have
bought travel disruption cover as part of their insurance they are covered (up
to the limits stated in the policy) for travel disruption. Disruption cover
refunds the cost of other losses caused by travel delays, such as car hire,
accommodation, other travel tickets that customers have not been able to use.

Association of British Insurers advice on travel insurance regarding Gatwick drone closure

“Where
illegal drone activity has grounded or diverted flights, as with all flight
cancellations or disruption, you should speak to your airline or travel company
first who will have certain responsibilities under the law. For additional
travel disruption costs, such as missed hotel bookings or already paid for
activities that you can no longer make, you should speak to your travel insurer
as these may be covered under the terms of your travel insurance depending on
the type of cover you have bought.”