He later told BBC Radio Sheffield his speech, which he described as a “sugar bomb”, was not about UFOs in the extraterrestrial sense.
“The meeting was quite long and serious, so I wanted to bring a bit of personality and lighten the mood slightly, but there was also a serious point behind it,” Lay said.
He said many residents in his ward, Thorne and Moorends, had “genuine security concerns” about the airport.
“The last thing I want is something that interferes with the aircraft coming in for landing or taking off [and] something devastating happening over the top of residential houses,” he added.
He apologised for suggesting that all the data on local UAP activity needed to be examined before committing further money to the airport.
“I think my choice of words are kind of really bad sometimes.. I have some learning difficulties, but I try my best,” he said.
Hinchley said there were “well established procedures” for pilots and operators to report concerns to air traffic control.
“Safety remains our number one priority, and as we move towards full operational readiness, we will continue to review regulatory developments and apply best practice guidance at all times,” he added.