UK Tourist Faces Hefty Fine for Illegal Drone Flight Over Festival in Tenerife

A recent incident on the Spanish island of Tenerife has raised concerns regarding the illegal use of drones, particularly during public events. A tourist from the United Kingdom is now facing a potential fine of up to EUR225,000 due to unauthorized drone flights over a crowded festival.

The incident occurred on July 15 during the Virgen del Carmen Festival in Puerto de la Cruz, an event that attracts thousands of spectators. The festival features a maritime procession where a statue of the Virgin is carried by fishermen onto a boat, marking the beginning of the festivities on the water. The tourist reportedly sought to capture aerial footage of the event, unaware of the strict regulations governing drone operations in Spain.

Authorities monitoring the festival quickly identified the unauthorized drone in flight. They traced the operator back to the Hotel Las Águilas, where the tourist was staying. Upon questioning, the individual admitted to lacking knowledge of Spanish drone regulations and did not possess the required pilot's license, insurance, or flight authorization. The drone was subsequently confiscated, and the case was forwarded to the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) for further action.

During the festival, only three drones were authorized for flight: two belonging to the national police for security purposes and one for official event coverage. The unauthorized drone flight was deemed particularly dangerous due to the high concentration of people in a limited area.

In Spain, penalties for violating drone regulations can be significantly higher than in other countries. For instance, German law stipulates fines of up to EUR50,000 for similar offenses, and drone operators must register with the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) if their drone weighs over 250 grams or is equipped with a camera. Additionally, a competency certificate and liability insurance are mandatory, along with various restrictions on flying over populated areas.

In Switzerland, fines can reach up to 20,000 Swiss francs, while Austria imposes penalties of up to EUR22,000, with severe violations potentially leading to imprisonment. In both countries, regulations also require registration and insurance for drones exceeding 250 grams, alongside age restrictions for operators.

This incident underscores the importance of adhering to drone regulations, especially in environments where large crowds gather. The enforcement of these laws aims to ensure public safety and prevent accidents that could arise from unauthorized drone usage.