Drone intercepted after unauthorized flights near Playa Blanca, 2 km from airport

The practice not only breaches regulations on the use of unmanned aircraft in air traffic zones but also creates a “risk situation” for people’s safety.

The Civil Guard of Fuerteventura Airport, operating under the functional authority of the Customs Administrator and the Tax Agency, identified and penalized the pilot of a drone that was conducting unauthorized flights over Playa Blanca, in Puerto del Rosario, less than two kilometres from the island’s northern airport hub and inside the aerodrome’s ATZ (air traffic control zone).

The interception occurred after a citizen reported to the Civil Guard that a drone was flying at a very low altitude—around 20 metres—over a group of surfers at the location, according to a press release from the force.

“This practice creates a risk situation for the integrity of people, as a potential fall of the device could cause injury.”

Consequently, a patrol from the Fiscal and Border unit of Fuerteventura Airport was dispatched to the site. The team confirmed that the unmanned aircraft was operating in restricted airspace without any authorization.

The device was a DJI Mini 2 Pro drone, weighing 249 grams.

The Civil Guard notes that these actions constitute a serious violation under Article 48.3 of Law 21/2003 of 7 July on Air Safety, due to non‑compliance with operational limits concerning aeronautical easements and airspace use. They also remind that drone flights near airports are strictly prohibited unless authorized by the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA).

Such practices not only pose a direct safety risk—potentially interfering with aircraft approach and take‑off maneuvers—but also expose offenders to hefty fines ranging from **€90,001