Flight over festival:Holidaymakers on Tenerife face fines of up to 225,000 euros

An illegal drone flight over a festival on the island of Tenerife could cost a holidaymaker from the UK dearly. As he did not have the necessary pilot's license, insurance, or a permit to fly, he now faces a fine of up to 225,000 euros, according to Spanish media reports.

The incident occurred on July 15 during a well-attended maritime procession that attracted thousands of onlookers. At the Virgen del Carmen festival in the port of Puerto de la Cruz, people gather on the harbor quay to witness the arrival of the Virgin. Her figure is carried by fishermen onto one of the boats, where the procession on the water begins. The tourist had apparently also identified this as a beautiful video motif.

Traced back to the hotel

Police officers monitoring the event spotted the unauthorized drone in flight and were quickly able to trace the operator back to the Las Águilas Hotel in the upper part of the city. When questioned, the tourist admitted that he had no knowledge of Spanish drone regulations and did not meet the requirements. The drone was confiscated, and the case was forwarded to Spain's aviation safety authority, AESA, for proceedings, as reported by the website CanarianWeekly.

According to the report, only three drones were authorized to fly during the festival—two belonged to the national police for security surveillance and one for official event coverage. The unauthorized flight was also classified as dangerous, as there were numerous people in a confined space at the event.

Spain has very high fines

Fines in Spain are significantly higher than in Germany. In Germany, the Air Traffic Act provides for fines of up to 50,000 euros. From a weight of 250 grams or for drones with a camera, registration with the Federal Aviation Office (LBA) is required, an EU certificate of competence must also be available, and liability insurance must be taken out regardless of weight. In addition, many restrictions apply to overflights, which pilots must find out about in advance.

In Switzerland, fines of up to 20,000 Swiss francs can be imposed. Liability insurance is required for drones weighing 250 grams or more, and pilots must be at least 12 years old. In addition, the maximum flight altitude is set at 120 meters. Austria provides for penalties of up to 22,000 euros and, in extreme cases, even imprisonment for particularly serious violations. For aircraft weighing 250 grams or more or for drones with cameras, registration is required, as well as liability insurance, and the minimum age for pilots is 18.

(mki)