Dubai Airshow: Drone users warned to steer clear of 15km no-fly zone

Civil aviation authorities expand exclusion zone to cover much of the south of the city

There are already restrictions to ensure drone owners must have a licence from the government and steer clear of 5km of airports, extended to 15km for the airshow next week.

The National

Nov 14, 2019

Drones have been banned from much of Dubai as the city prepares to host the airshow.

Civil aviation authorities imposed a no-fly zone for 15km around Dubai World Central between Wednesday 13 November and Thursday 21 November.

Two incoming flights - from Singapore and Delhi - were diverted away from Dubai International on Sunday. Courtesy: Emirates

Two flights diverted as suspected drone spotted near Dubai International Airport

Dubai Airshow begins on Sunday.

Suspected drone incursions led to a series of airport shutdowns in recent years, most recently in September.

In February, operations were temporarily shut-down at Dubai International, causing delays of almost an hour on some flights.

Drones forced the airspace around Dubai International to close on three occasions in 2016, leading to strict penalties by the General Civil Aviation Authority.

Here is The National'sfull guide to the Dubai Airshow.