Drone Pilot Fined for Illegal Flight Near Fuerteventura Airport
In a recent enforcement action, the Civil Guard at Fuerteventura Airport has identified and penalized a drone pilot for conducting unauthorized flights. The incident occurred at Playa Blanca in Puerto del Rosario, less than two kilometers from the northern end of the airport’s runway. This area is strictly off-limits as it falls within the Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ), a section of airspace under permanent air traffic control.
Citizen Alert Leads to Intervention
The operation began after an alert from a member of the public notified the Civil Guard about a drone flying at a very low altitude—approximately 20 meters—over a group of surfers. This reckless practice not only breached regulations concerning unmanned aircraft in air transit zones but also created a direct safety risk. A potential malfunction and crash of the device could have caused significant injury to the people below.
Serious Breach of Aviation Security Law
A patrol from the Tax and Borders unit at Fuerteventura Airport was dispatched to the scene. They confirmed that the unmanned aircraft, a DJI Mini 2 Pro weighing 249 grams, was actively operating in restricted airspace without any form of authorization. These actions constitute a very serious infringement under Article 48.3 of Spain’s Aviation Security Law 21/2003, due to the violation of operational limitations related to aeronautical easements and airspace use.
Hefty Fines and Strict Regulations
The Civil Guard reminds all operators that flying drones near airports is strictly prohibited unless explicit authorization is granted by the State Agency for Air Safety (AESA). Such illegal flights pose a direct risk to security by potentially interfering with aircraft approach and takeoff maneuvers. The financial penalties for these violations are severe, with fines ranging from €90,001 to a staggering €225,000.
Know the Rules Before You Fly
Drone operators are obligated to know and respect all current European and national regulations. This includes the specific guidelines outlined in Regulation (EU) 2019/947, which governs the safe use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This intervention underscores the commitment of the Civil Guard to vigilantly monitor and control the airspace around Canary Island airports, ensuring the safety of passengers, flight crews, and all aviation operations.
