Drone flights banned around Shanghai airports
Shanghai Airport Authority today publicized restricted areas for drones and other flying objects near the city's two airports to ensure flight safety and reduce delays.
The banned areas cover over 40 towns in nine districts around Pudong and Hongqiao international airports. The districts involved include Pudong, Baoshan, Jiading, Putuo, Minhang, Changning, Xuhui, Qingpu and Songjiang.
Any unauthorized flying activity, such as drones and model planes, is forbidden within the controlled regions. The flying of pigeons, Kongming lanterns (small hot-air paper balloons), kites, balloons and other flying objects that may affect flight safety are also strictly banned, the airport authority said.
"If these intruders enter the restricted area, they may cause flight delays, cancellations and even impact on flight safety," the authority said.
Violators may face fines, punishment and criminal charges, the authority said.
The restricted flying areas for drones and other objects near Pudong International Airport.
The restricted areas are set up according to existing laws and regulations such as the Civil Aviation Law of China and the airport management regulation of the city, the authority said.
To better promote the new rules, the authority has made five short videos which will be broadcast citywide.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has ordered all drone owners to register them under their real names beginning from June 1. The unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, have recently led to more than 200 flight intrusions at Chengdu's Shuangliu International Airport.
The CAAC said all drones weighing more than 250 grams are required to be registered so a national database can be established.
Unregulated drone flyers have brought “threats to national and people’s safety” already, said the CAAC.
The restricted flying area for drones and other objects near Hongqiao International Airport.
Make a report to the relevant authorities
Residents are encouraged to call 110 to tip off the police, or call Pudong airport authorities on 68347571 or Hongqiao airport authorities on 22381200.
