Drones disrupting Singapore's Changi Airport

Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS) has released a statement saying that 18 flights had been delayed, and seven flights diverted due to drones.

Unauthorised drone flying has prompted disruptions for the second time in the space of a week, with international airports continuing to face growing security concerns as drone use becomes more common.

Drone sightings caused travel chaos at Gatwick airport in December, with about 140,000 passengers caught up in the disruption. The runway at the UK's second busiest airport was closed for 33 hours over three days - causing about 1,000 flights to be cancelled or delayed.

It was announced in April that every drone and model aircraft owner in the UK could be charged £16.50 a year under plans by the aviation regulator. Introducing a licence fee would cover the costs of operating the new drone registration scheme.

The number of drone users in the UK is unknown, but the Civil Aviation Authority estimates 170,000 people will register.