private drones — The use of private drones during firefighting operations is now banned in Cyprus, according to an announcement from the civil aviation department on Wednesday. This decision comes in response to reports of drones flying dangerously close to manned aircraft, jeopardising the safety of firefighting efforts.
During the summer months, Cyprus frequently faces wildfires, which necessitate the deployment of firefighting aircraft. The civil aviation department emphasised that such close encounters between drones and manned aircraft pose significant risks to both crew and equipment.
European regulations prohibit the operation of drones near or within areas where emergency response operations are taking place without prior authorisation from relevant authorities. The department reiterated that all drone pilots are required to avoid any risk of collision with manned aircraft. They must be vigilant and terminate their flights immediately if there is any potential danger to aircraft, people, animals, the environment, or property.
Those who violate this ban will face prosecution, reinforcing the message that safety is paramount during emergency operations. The ban serves to protect both the firefighting personnel and the integrity of the operations being conducted to tackle wildfires.