Huge rise in illegal drones flying near Newcastle Airport

NEWCASTLE Airport has seen an increase of more than 500% in drones being flown illegally in its restricted airspace over the last year. The airport recorded 98 unauthorised drone sightings in its Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) between January and May this year, a significant rise from 16 incidents during the same period last year.

- DANIEL HALL

The FRZ covers a 5km radius around the Airport and encompasses areas including Ponteland, Darras Hall, Callerton, Westerhope and Great Park. Flying a drone within the FRZ without prior permission from the airport is a criminal offence, and offenders face unlimited fines or up to five years in prison if found guilty.

The zone is monitored by the airport's Air Traffic Control team, which bosses say plays a vital part in safeguarding aircraft operations and keeping passengers, crew and the community safe. Paul Farmer, director of operations at Newcastle Airport, described the increase in drone activity in the vicinity of the Airport as “concerning”.