A pilot came within 50ft of colliding with a drone while coming in to land at Glasgow Airport, it has been revealed.

The Embraer E190 passenger jet was being brought in to land when the pilot noticed a drone  directly above the aircraft.

A report by aviation safety body Airprox says the risk of a collision at 800ft was “high” and only “providence” prevented disaster.

It was only visible to the pilot for a second after it reflected in the landing lights of the plane and passed over the window.

No evasive action was required and the plane continued to land, but September’s incident was later reported to air traffic control.

It comes after drone sightings forced Gatwick Airport to close in the run-up to Christmas with about 1,000 flights cancelled over three days.

An airport spokesman said: “We remain vigilant.”