Flight disruptions and delays at Lanzarote Airport due to a drone
Lanzarote Airport was forced to suspend all take-offs and landings for around 40 minutes yesterday, Tuesday 13th August, after a drone was sighted near runway 03.
Air traffic controllers immediately activated safety protocols, delaying flights until the situation was under control. Passengers experienced delays, and aircraft waiting to land had to remain in holding patterns.
Why are drones banned near airports?
Spanish law strictly forbids the use of drones within the airspace of airports or flight paths, as they pose a serious risk of collision with aircraft during take-off and landing. Such incidents can trigger diversions, delays, and emergency measures, endangering passengers and crew.
Heavy fines and criminal charges
Authorities have confirmed that once the drone’s owner is identified, they could face very serious consequences:
- Private individuals: fines of up to €225,000.
- Companies or authorised operators: fines of up to €4.5 million.
- Criminal charges: if the incident is proven to have endangered lives, Spanish law allows for prison sentences of six months to six years.
Advice for tourists and residents with drones
Many visitors bring drones to the Canary Islands to capture aerial views of beaches and landscapes. However, flying them is heavily restricted, and ignorance of the law is not considered a defence.
Key rules include:
- Never fly near airports, heliports, or flight paths.
- Avoid crowded areas, including beaches, town centres, and festivals.
- Respect nature reserves and protected areas, where drone use is often prohibited.
- Maximum altitude is 120 metres unless special permission is granted.
- Insurance and registration may be required for certain categories of drones.
The Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA) provides clear guidance for recreational and professional drone use, and visitors are encouraged to check the rules before flying.
The incident in Lanzarote highlights how seriously Spanish authorities take drone violations. What may seem like a harmless flight for photos or videos could lead to thousands of euros in fines, legal trouble, or even imprisonment.
Tourists are strongly advised to only fly drones in authorised areas and always follow local regulations to avoid severe penalties.
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