Plans for more drone-flying areas get mixed views from enthusiasts

Move follows calls for better accessibility, as existing flying areas are in the west: CAAS

- Kok Yufeng

Drone-flying enthusiasts can look forward to more dedicated areas to fly their aircraft, as the authorities are looking to add up to two more of such community spaces around the island.

These are in addition to the two dedicated areas that are currently available for drones and other unmanned aircraft to be flown recreationally—one over the waters of Pandan Reservoir and another at an open field in Dover Road.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) told The Straits Times on Sept 4 that it is working with other government agencies to identify possible new locations, including over-land and over-water options.

The move follows requests for better accessibility to such flying areas, given that the two existing ones are both located in the west, CAAS said.

"Learning from the success of existing sites, we will consider similarly accessible sites with amenities like benches," said Mr Tan Kah Han, senior director at CAAS' unmanned systems group.

"Preferably, these sites should be located some distance away from residences to minimise noise and privacy concerns. We will engage residents in the neighbourhood before we finalise any new (flying areas)," he added in response to queries from ST.

On Aug 22, CAAS called a tender for services to maintain the 16ha flying area in Pandan Reservoir, which was set up in 2022; as well as the 0.6ha flying area in Dover across the road from Singapore Polytechnic that was launched in 2024.