East Midlands Airport had to close its runways and divert some flights after a drone was spotted nearby.
Eight services were redirected to different airports on Friday night after the drone was detected about a mile away near Donington Park in Leicestershire, where the Download Festival was taking place on this weekend.
The airport was forced to close the runway for 30 minutes, which caused disruption.
In a joint statement, Download Police, Leicestershire and East Midlands Airport said: “Recent reports of drone sightings near Donington Park have resulted in some disruption to operations at the airport. East Midlands in recent days.
“This has affected both nighttime freight operations and passengers who have been diverted to other airports.
“The safe operation of the EMA airport and the safety of the public at the event is our top priority.
“Together, Leicestershire Police, Download festival organizers and the airport continue to work closely to monitor the situation.
“As a result, both the festival organizers and the police have increased the number of patrols on site and in surrounding areas.”
Drones flying near airports is an offense under the Civil Aviation Act 1982.
Over the Christmas period in 2018, the alleged drone attacks seen around Gatwick Airport closed the airport for more than a day, disrupting more than 1,000 flights.
A police investigation has been launched, which has cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds, but no one has yet been brought to justice.
