Dubai: Dubai International Airport was closed for over an hour around noon due to an unauthorised drone activity near its airspace on Saturday, Gulf News can confirm.
The disruption lasted for 69 minutes as all flights between 11.36am and 12.45am were disrupted due to a trespassing of an unidentified drone. Flights scheduled to arrive at Dubai International were diverted to neighbouring airports like Al Maktoum International, Sharjah airport and Fujairah airport.
Dozens of flights scheduled to depart around the time of disruption were delayed.
A Dubai airport statement confirmed that the airspace around Dubai International was closed for 69 minutes (1136-1245 local time) due to an unauthorised drone activity, resulting in a number of delays and flight diversions.
“Dubai Airports is working closely with its stakeholders to restore operations and minimise customer inconvenience. Safety is our top priority and Dubai Airports reminds all Unmanmed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators that any and all activities are not permitted unless authorised by regulatory authorities and are strictly prohibited in restricted areas, including within five kilometres of any airport or landing area,” said the statement.
However, further details about the violating drone are not yet available as the incident is being investigated by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Dubai Police.
This is the second such incident in 18 months at Dubai International. In January last year, air traffic in Dubai came to a halt for nearly an hour as some recreational drones flew into the airspace.
Following the incident, the civil aviation authorities warned people against flying drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) near the airports.
Recently, GCAA and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) issued detailed guidelines about the operation of drones in the country.
According to the guidelines, all drone operators must obtain a no-objection certificate from the GCAA or DCAA.
The civil aviation regulations forbid the flying of drones near, around or over airports. Drones are not allowed within five kilometres of any airport or landing area.
The guidelines require that all drone activities shall take place within the visual line of sight of the user not above 400 feet from ground level without the use of visual aids, such as binoculars, and within the aircraft’s operational range.
Drones are allowed to fly only during daytime and in good weather conditions, while flying near any buildings, houses, private properties or persons is prohibited.
Permission is also required to use cameras or any other surveillance equipment. Though drone photography permits are issued, users are advised to be careful about respecting people’s privacy, violation of which could result in legal action.
The UAE also permits the use of drones for theatrical film-making under certain guidelines. The emirate of Dubai recommends hiring an authorised operator who can navigate the various restrictions and permit requirements for filming.
Flying of drones over residential neighbourhoods, congested streets and busy commercial areas is also prohibited by the authorities to ensure that people are free from prying eyes.
Apart from these areas, many other places are considered off limits for drones due to national security and safety concerns.
The best sources of information on the use of drones are DCAA and GCAA.
Guidelines:
• Drone operator is legally responsible for all flights. Take time to understand the rules before any drone activity.
• Make sure the drone is in good working condition to avoid any accident or damage.
• Make sure to keep the drone in sight at all times and land immediately if the drone is on the path of an aircraft.
• Do not endanger people or property. Drone operator is responsible for avoiding all collisions.
• Drones are not allowed within five kilometres of any airport or landing area.
• Consider the rights of privacy before taking images.
• Obtain GCAA or DCAA permission for any kind of commercial activity.
• Obtain a security permission before using a camera or surveillance equipment.
