Having called for an extension to the no-fly zone for drones, the Airport Operators Association has welcomed the news that an extended zone will now be in force (as of Wednesday 13 March) around UK airports.
Commenting on the new restriction, Karen Dee, CEO of AOA:
“Drones are a great new technology and are likely to bring many benefits to the UK and aviation specifically. To achieve these benefits, we must ensure drones are operated safely and pose no risk or disruption to air traffic and airports.
“Combined with planned additional powers for the police, these new rules are an important step in the right direction. As partners in the Drone Code, the AOA will support efforts to educate the public on these new rules.
“An important way to ensure people do not inadvertently break the law is through introducing mandatory geo-fencing technology as soon as possible. This would safeguard critical airspace around airports from accidental drone incursions. We believe this is the most effective way to ensure that unsafe drone use does not have major consequences.”
