The Civil Guard at Fuerteventura Airport, under the functional authority of the Customs Administrator and II.EE of the Tax Agency, identified and penalised the pilot of a drone conducting unauthorised flights over Playa Blanca (Puerto del Rosario), less than two kilometres from the northern runway of Fuerteventura Airport, within the ATZ (Air Traffic Zone) of the aerodrome, which is subject to continuous air traffic control. Drone pilot penalised for flying in restricted area near Fuerteventura Airport
A citizen report alerted the Civil Guard to the presence of a drone flying at a low altitude of approximately 20 metres above a group of surfers. This activity not only contravened regulations regarding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in air traffic areas but also posed a risk to the safety of individuals, as a potential fall of the device could result in injuries.
A patrol unit from the Airport Fiscal and Border Control department arrived at the scene and confirmed that the unmanned aerial vehicle was operating in restricted airspace without any authorisation. The device, a DJI Mini 2 Pro drone weighing 249 grams, was subsequently identified.
The incident constitutes a serious infringement under Article 48.3 of Law 21/2003, dated 7 July, concerning Air Security, due to the breach of operational limitations related to aeronautical servitudes and airspace usage.
The Civil Guard has reiterated that flying drones in the vicinity of airports is strictly prohibited unless authorised by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA). Such practices not only pose a direct risk to safety by potentially interfering with aircraft landing and take-off operations but may also incur financial penalties ranging from €90,001 to €225,000.
Furthermore, it is emphasised that drone operators are obliged to understand and comply with existing European and national regulations, particularly Regulation (EU) 2019/947, which governs the safe use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Through this intervention, the Civil Guard reaffirms its commitment to monitoring and controlling airspace around the Canary Islands airports, ensuring the safety of passengers, crews, and aviation operations.
Drone pilot penalised for flying in restricted area near Fuerteventura Airport
