Increase in drones over airport is 'concerning'

NUMBER OF ILLEGAL FLIGHTS HAS ROCKETED UP BY 500%

- By DANIEL HALL Reporter

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.

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.