Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Pilot Reports Disc‑Shaped Object Near Gatwick Airport
A pilot flying an Airbus A319 was landing at Gatwick Airport in London when he saw a strange disc‑shaped object close to his plane.
The object looked like a flying saucer and was about 100 to 300 feet away.
It was moving in the opposite direction but at the same height.
The pilot didn’t have to do any emergency moves because the plane was already turning.
The UK Airprox Board looked into the incident and said it was safe, but they couldn’t say for sure what the object was.
An Airbus A319 pilot spotted a disc‑shaped object near Gatwick Airport in June 2024.
The object was estimated to be 100–300 feet from the aircraft and moving in the opposite direction.
The pilot described it as a disc with darker rim markings, possibly a drone.
No evasive action was needed because the plane was already turning.
The UK Airprox Board investigated and found no collision risk but could not identify the object.
- Who
- Pilot of an Airbus A319 and the UK Airprox Board
- What
- Encounter with a disc‑shaped object suspected to be a drone
- When
- June 2024
- Where
- Near Gatwick Airport, Sussex, England
- Why
- The object was observed at the same altitude and close proximity, prompting a safety investigation
- Object type
- Disc‑shaped suspected drone
- Aircraft involved
- Airbus A319 passenger jet
- Location
- Near Gatwick Airport, Sussex countryside
- Distance from aircraft
- 100–300 feet
- Outcome
- No evasive action required