Drone near-misses triple since 2015

The number of drones almost colliding with planes has more than tripled in two years, figures show.

Some 92 incidents were recorded across the UK last year, compared with just 29 in 2015, according to data from the UK Airprox Board (UKAB).

Steve Landells, flight safety specialist at the pilots’ union Balpa, described the figures as “very worrying” while tests have suggested that drone collisions can be even more damaging than bird strikes.

Drone sales have risen sharply in recent years with the gadgets available for as little as £30, often with cameras.

The Government is due to publish a draft Drone Bill in the coming months which will require users to register and to pass safety awareness tests.