An airport is no place to fly a drone

The news that a wayward drone has caused yet another closer of Dubai International Airport reinforces the need for strict regulations to govern the civilian unmanned flights. The incident is just one in a series of similar incidents that have temporarily brought air traffic in Dubai to a standstill. In June, for example, a similar incident forced the airport to shut down for over an hour.Such incidents are extremely dangerous, and can pose a serious threat to passengers and crew onboard aircraft flying in and out of Dubai. Some experts have even warned that is only a matter of time before a drone causes a catastrophic accident somewhere in the world. Besides being dangerous, forcing airports to stop operating because of drones is an extremely costly, unnecessary, and unacceptable burden on Dubai’s economy.

By causing flights to divert and the associated costs of delays, passenger and baggage handling problems, costs can quickly skyrocket. Earlier this year, a Dubai Civil Aviation Authority official even noted that the economic losses can total $1 million for every minute the airport is shut. However, with regulations, such incidents are easily preventable. Thankfully, the UAE is already working hard to implement regulations, and just this week the General Civil Aviation Authority noted that it is working with companies selling drones in the country to inform customers of regulations around owning drones and regulate their operations. Additionally, it is working to streamline and simplify the application process. But perhaps just is important is for drone operators to take responsibility for their own actions, by following already existing rules and using common sense. An airport – or any crowded urban area – is no place to fly a drone. Doing so may well ruin the fun of the thousands of drone operators who enjoy their hobby safely and responsibly.