Enforcement Actions Taken Against 309 Cases of Unlawful Unmanned Aircraft Operations in 2023
23 April 2024
CAAS intensifies public outreach efforts targeting residents living within 5km of
Changi Airport to raise awareness
In 2023, enforcement actions were taken against 309 cases of unlawful unmanned aircraft (UA) operations. Eight individuals and seven companies were prosecuted in court and were fined between $4,000 and $45,000 (see Annex A for details of the 15 prosecution cases). The others were issued composition fines, stern warnings or advisories.
2 CAAS takes a serious view of unlawful unmanned aircraft operations because of the risk they pose to aviation and public safety and will not hesitate to take stern enforcement action.
3 CAAS is also stepping up public outreach efforts to raise awareness, focusing on unlawful UA operations within 5km of Changi Airport which pose the highest risk to airport operations. CAAS has taken a multi-pronged approach:
a) First, CAAS has launched a public outreach campaign targeting residents living within 5km of Changi Airport. CAAS is working with the People’s Association to reach out to HDB estate residents residing in Pasir Ris-Punggol, Tampines and East Coast, through banners and posters at community spaces in the estates (see sample banner at Annex B) and digital display panels at lift lobbies. This is to let residents know that they are not allowed to fly a drone in their estates without a permit, as they are within 5km of Changi Airport, and doing so will endanger the safety of aircraft operations. CAAS is similarly working with the Management Corporation Strata Title of private condominiums within 5km of Changi Airport. CAAS will provide additional advisory letters to the condominium when an offender is caught within the premises of the estate.
b) Second, CAAS has installed additional “No UA flying” signages at open fields and parks located within 5km of Changi Airport that have been identified as common UA activity areas, to remind UA operators that unauthorised UA operations within 5km of Changi Airport are prohibited. (See Annex C for details.)
c) Third, CAAS has stepped up its ground enforcement and education efforts. CAAS has deployed more auxiliary police officers to conduct ground surveillance, monitoring and enforcement actions at UA activity hotspots within 5km of Changi Airport. Besides enforcement, the auxiliary police officers are also trained to explain and educate the public on the dangers of flying UA close to Changi Airport.
4 “UA activities have gained popularity over the years. It is important that we work together to ensure that aviation and public safety is not compromised. CAAS urges all UA operators to conduct UA activities safely and responsibly. CAAS takes a strong stance against unauthorised UA operations and will not hesitate to act against those who fail to comply with UA regulations. At the same time, CAAS will step up public education efforts to raise awareness, especially amongst residents living within 5km of Changi Airport.” said Mr Maran Paramanathan, Director (Unmanned Systems Policy, Regulations and Operations).
5 Under the Air Navigation Act 1966, offenders may be fined up to $50,000 or jailed up to two years, or both. Members of the public are reminded to check the OneMap.sg website or the OneMap app for information on areas where the conduct of aerial and unmanned aircraft activities is prohibited or requires a permit. No-fly zones are areas where UA operations are not allowed if the requisite permit(s) is not obtained (see Annex D for details). These areas include:
a) Locations within 5km of aerodromes;
b) Locations within danger areas;
c) Locations within restricted areas;
d) Protected areas under the Air Navigation Act 1966; and
e) Locations within prohibited areas.
6 For more information on the UA regulations, please go to https://www.caas.gov.sg/public-passengers/unmanned-aircraft.
Annex A - Prosecution Cases in 2023 (PDF, 21 KB)
Annex B - Sample Advisory Notice (Banner) for the Public Outreach Campaign (PDF, 204 KB)
Annex C - Additional “No UA flying” Signages installed at various locations within 5km of Changi Airport (PDF, 341 KB)
Annex D - Advisory to UA users (PDF, 187 KB)
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The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success. CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international civil aviation.
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