Chinese authorities investigate drone flights in restricted airspace
Unmanned aircraft piloted near airports pose risks to flight safety
Authorities in Kunming are investigating multiple intrusions by drones into the restricted airspace of the city’s airport.
Mainland China exerts tight control over its airspace and maintains very strict regulations governing civilian drones. They must have flight permission from aviation authorities and are banned from entering a 15-kilometre range near airports and from flying higher than 100 metres on flight paths elsewhere. Anyone found in violation of the rules is liable to detention of five to 15 days.
Advances in unmanned aircraft technology around the world have made drones highly popular in China in recent years, with videographers, technology fans and even aspiring businesses investing in the aircraft for recreational and professional purposes. Many universities are starting or expanding their curriculum involving drones.
In 2013, four employees at a Beijing company were detained for carrying out surveys by flying a dronenear the capital’s international airport without permission, forcing the diversion of two aircraft and causing multiple flight delays.
