Drone Causes Chaos at Fuerteventura Airport: Flights Suspended and Hundreds Delayed
All flights were grounded and air traffic at Fuerteventura Airport was brought to a standstill yesterday morning, Tuesday, after a drone forced the suspension of operations, causing flight diversions and delays affecting around 600 passengers.
According to a statement from the Guardia Civil, operations were halted between 7:00am and 8:10am after airport staff spotted a drone flying less than one kilometre from the runway. The disruption led to two flights being diverted and four delayed for safety reasons.
Officers quickly located the person responsible, who was operating a DJI FLIP drone weighing 249 grams in a restricted airspace zone (CTR), an area controlled to ensure the safety of manned aircraft during take-off and landing.
The drone pilot claimed to be unaware of the regulations, but the Guardia Civil confirmed that flying drones near airports without explicit authorisation from air traffic control or the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) is strictly prohibited.
The incident constitutes a very serious offence under Article 48.3 of Spain’s Air Safety Law (21/2003). He could now face a fine of up to €225,000, with minimum penalties starting at €90,000.
Authorities reminded the public that unauthorised drone use near airports poses a serious risk to aviation safety, potentially interfering with landing and take-off procedures.
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