Pilot warns of ‘flying saucer’ over UK airport as mystery disc flies past passenger jet

It is suspected of being something much less exciting

The incident was reported by the pilot who claimed to have seen a mystery "disc" come within around 100ft of the jet while it was coming into land at London Gatwick Airport.

While the incident occured in April, it is just now being made public in an incident report by the UK Airprox Board.

While UFOs and aliens pique curiosity, they remain the fixation of Americans, with this particular 'disc' suspected of being, of course, a drone.

Investigators stated: “The A319 pilot reports that descending, turning left, a disc or ‘flying saucer’ type ­suspected drone was seen flying very close in the opposite direction, at the same level to them, past their right wing."

They added that it was around 100-300ft from their aircraft wing, with the object described as "like a disc with darker markings on the rim".

They added it was "a suspected possible drone, but not sure".

While the drone was very close, the pilot was not required to take evasive action as the plane was already turning.

Holiday Plans at Risk as Gatwick Airport Experiences Fuel Shortage

Gatwick Airport is reportedly running low on fuel, sparking fears of disruption for British holidaymakers at the height of the summer getaway, according to reports.

One of Europe's busiest single-runway airports, Gatwick is a key departure point for package holidays and charter flights, and typically handles its heaviest traffic in August.

The shortage at the UK's second-busiest airport has raised concerns that departures could be delayed or cancelled during one of the year's busiest travel periods, with long-haul flights said to be under the most threat.

It is the latest in a summer of headaches for UK passengers, following a recent summer holiday warning to travellers over airport readiness.

It comes following a report from The Sun who had seen a memo sent to staff which warned: “For attention of all crews: Gatwick has a shortage of fuel for the next two days.

“Please uplift max possible fuel at outstations.”

Another “emergency” notification issued to aviation bosses told of “potential disruption to the Gatwick fuel supply”.

Meanwhile, one senior source at a Gatwick-based airline told The Sun: “The fuel shortage will affect all airlines.

“Long-haul flights are under the most threat.

“Pilots will try and take on as much fuel as they can from their foreign destinations to bring back to the UK. But they will be limited by factors such as the maximum take off weight and the maximum landing weight back at Gatwick.

“Most flights beyond 2.5 hours will still need extra fuel in Gatwick.

“The fuel shortage warning came with many long-haul flights already enroute to the UK, meaning crews were unable to bring extra fuel with them.

“Pilots will be trying to supplement as much fuel as they can down-route to protect the long-haul flights and stretch out supply.

“The longer the fuel shortage lasts, the tighter it will get. It means there is a good chance of disruption, particularly Monday onwards.”

What the Gatwick Airport fuel shortage means for travellers

Passengers due to fly from the Sussex hub have been urged to check the status of their flights directly with their airline before setting off.

The scale of the problem, and how long it may last, remained unclear on Monday morning as the story developed.

With schools broken up for the holidays and airports braced for record numbers, any prolonged disruption at Gatwick could ripple across the UK's summer travel plans.