Re: Was it ever proven that there really was a drone near the airport?
According to this non-contemporary report there could have been a few hundred of them...
https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/gatwick-airport-all-abuzz-with-new-arrivals
The rumour could have been started by the baggage-handlers as they didn't relish the prospect of 40 to 50 thousand workers coming in to take their jobs.