Unauthorized Drone Activity Halts Landings
Landings at Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest, Romania, were temporarily suspended on Sunday, September 28, following the sighting of a civilian drone near one of its runways. The incident prompted authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the unauthorized aerial activity.
The drone was spotted by the crew of an incoming passenger aircraft during its approach to runway 08R. As a precautionary measure, landing operations were briefly halted, and other aircraft in the vicinity were directed to holding points. The National Company of Bucharest Airports (CNAB) announced that after evaluating the situation, landing operations were safely resumed on the airport's other runway.
Investigation Underway
An investigation has been initiated by authorities, including the CNAB and ROMATSA (Romanian Air Traffic Services Administration), to identify the drone operator and determine potential legal measures. Officials have emphasized that unauthorized drone activity in and around civilian and military airports in Romania is strictly prohibited due to the serious risks it poses to flight safety. Such actions can lead to criminal charges.
Broader European Context
This incident in Bucharest occurred amidst a series of drone sightings reported across Europe over the past weekend. While initial reports suggested the Bucharest event did not appear linked to larger drone sightings in Denmark, Germany, or Norway , other sources indicate that Romania's incident was part of a wider pattern of drone disruptions in European airspace. Romania has recently enacted legislation empowering its air force to intercept and shoot down unidentified aircraft and drones, underscoring the country's heightened awareness of such threats.
5 Comments
Fuerza
While safety is absolutely paramount and the airport did well to react, these incidents highlight a need for better geo-fencing tech on drones themselves to prevent such occurrences.
Manolo Noriega
More government control. Soon you won't be able to fly anything anywhere.
Fuerza
It's crucial to protect airspace, and the temporary suspension was understandable. However, we also need to ensure that investigations differentiate between malicious intent and accidental violations, as the penalties can be severe.
Ongania
The article rightly points out the dangers of unauthorized drones, especially with the broader European context. Yet, the economic cost of these disruptions, even temporary ones, is significant and needs to be weighed against the actual threat level of a single drone.
Fuerza
Unauthorized drones near airports are a massive risk. Glad they took it seriously.