Flights at Edinburgh Airport were temporarily disrupted on the morning of August 28 after a drone was spotted inside the airport’s exclusion zone.
The incident led to a short hold on arrival flights while checks were carried out. Airport officials confirmed the drone did not enter the airfield itself and was not above the runway, but the sighting was considered serious enough to trigger established safety procedures. Police were alerted to the breach of the restriction zone and launched an investigation.
An Edinburgh Airport spokesperson said:
“Flights were held due to the presence of a drone within the exclusion zone, which police investigated. It is imperative that drone operators are aware of their responsibilities and are aware of the flight restriction zones and potential penalties. The safety of passengers and staff is always paramount.”
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) designates flight restriction zones around airports, airfields and spaceports to protect aircraft during take-off and landing. These zones extend up to 5km and prohibit drone flights unless prior permission has been granted. Breaching them is a criminal offence and can carry penalties of up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine.
The rapid investigation and temporary suspension of arrivals at Edinburgh highlight the cautious approach that is taken regarding drone incursions around airports. Even when drones remain outside the runway and airfield itself, they can still pose a risk to aircraft approaching or departing the airport.
Police Scotland have been contacted regarding the incident, but no further details have yet been released.
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Post Image Credit: Vinci Airports
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