IAG boss calls for register of drones after near misses with aircraft

<p><strong>Chief executive of British Airways&rsquo; owner says drones may become serious risk to air passengers.</strong></p> <p><strong>The boss of British Airways&rsquo; owner IAG has called for a register of drone users after a series of near collisions between passenger planes and unmanned aircraft.</strong></p> <p><strong>Willie Walsh, IAG&rsquo;s chief executive, said that &ldquo;without question&rdquo; new restrictions should be brought in by the regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, warning that the growing size and capability of drones would make them a serious risk to air passengers.</strong></p> <p>Last year 28 near misses with drones and planes were reported around airports in Britain by the UK Airprox Board &ndash; including several categorised at the highest level of risk involving commercial airliners.</p> <p>The pilots&rsquo; union, Balpa, has led calls for action on drones, but BA had not previously endorsed its call for specific measures.</p> <p>Walsh said: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s inevitable that we will see more restrictions placed on the ownership and operation of drones. The Irish Aviation Authority have already introduced a register. They are ahead of the game. I&rsquo;d be surprised if the CAA don&rsquo;t follow.&rdquo;</p> <p>The government last month promised a public consultation on proposals to tighten rules on drones, in the wake of an apparent collision with a BA plane landing at Heathrow that sparked widespread headlines.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>