An unidentified disc-shaped object passed within a few hundred feet of a commercial passenger aircraft as it approached Gatwick Airport, an official safety report has revealed.
The encounter happened at 10.30am UTC (11.30am BST) on 29 April 2026, while the Airbus A319 was descending at 8,500 feet.
According to UK Airprox Board report 2026064, reviewed at its meeting on 17 June, the aircraft was turning left near Handcross under Gatwick control when the pilot saw an object travelling in the opposite direction at the same altitude.
The pilot described it as a disc or “flying saucer” shape, with darker markings around its rim. It passed the aircraft’s right wing an estimated 100 to 300 feet away.
No evasive action was taken because the Airbus was already turning. The crew reported the encounter to air traffic control, which warned subsequent aircraft. No other sightings were received.
NATS investigators reviewed radar recordings but found no contact corresponding with the object.
The pilot suspected it might have been a drone, but UKAB concluded that its nature could not be determined. The occurrence received an ICAO Category C risk rating: safety had been reduced, but there was no risk of collision.
An Airprox is a reported situation in which aircraft separation, relative positions and speed may have compromised safety.
The board is jointly sponsored and equally funded by the Civil Aviation Authority and Military Aviation Authority. Its members include experienced civilian and military pilots and air traffic controllers.
It gathers evidence including pilot statements, radar recordings and radio transcripts before assessing contributory factors and collision risk. Its purpose is to improve aviation safety, not to apportion blame or liability. It may issue safety recommendations and publishes anonymised reports so lessons can be shared throughout civil and military aviation.
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