DRONES will be banned from coming within 5km of airport runways, under UK Government plans to crackdown on misuse of the aerial devices.
The extension of the ‘no fly zone’ will come into force next month and will be backed up by police officers having greater stop and search powers.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “The law is clear that flying a drone near an airport is a serious criminal act. We’re now going even further and extending the no-fly zone to help keep our airports secure and our skies safe.
“Anyone flying their drone within the vicinity of an airport should be aware they are not only acting irresponsibly, but criminally, and could face imprisonment.”
It is already an offence to fly a drone above 400ft or within 1km of an airport boundary. Recklessly or negligently endangering an aircraft with a drone can carry a prison sentence for up to five years.
However, the UK Government is set to introduce stricter curbs after drone sightings at Gatwick caused major disruption before Christmas. Drones also caused delays at Heathrow last month.
The new exclusion zone will be increased by several kilometres and come into force on March 13.
Operators of drones between 250g and 20kg will, from 30th November this year, be required to register and drone pilots take an online competency test.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Extending stop and search to include drones will help police tackle disruption like the recent misery we saw at UK airports, when travel was ruined for thousands of innocent passengers, and bring those responsible to justice.
“Police are clear that stop and search is one of the most powerful tools they have to target and disrupt crime and I remain committed to giving them all the support they need to protect the public.”
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