Britain will expand drone exclusion zones around airports from the current 1km to three miles (about 5km), after drones near Gatwick airport cancelled about 1000 flights.
An aircraft prepares to land at London Gatwick Airport after flights resumed following the closing of the airfield due to sightings of drones. Photo: AFP
The changes were announced in parliament by UK transport minister Chris Grayling.
"The disruption caused by drones to flights at Gatwick airport last month was deliberate, irresponsible and calculated, as well as illegal," Mr Grayling told parliament.
The Ministry of Defence remained on standby to deal with any further problems at Gatwick or any other airport, he said.
He also told Parliament the police will be given new powers to deal with drone pilots who break the law.
The government said there would also be extra extensions around runways.
Grayling said the government would also begin testing the use of counter-drone technology as part of its response to a consultation begun before December's disruption.
Gatwick and Heathrow ordered "several million pounds" worth of military-grade anti-drone defences after the disruption caused by drone flyovers last month.
The disruptions last month affected more than 140,000 passengers at Gatwick, the UK's second-busiest airport.