Tianjin, China – The Tianjin Binhai International Airport reported on September 11th that the operation of flights was affected due to public safety concerns arising from unauthorized drone flights. The airport has since resumed normal operations.
Unmanned Drone Incident Causes Delays
At approximately 7:33 pm on September 11th, the Tianjin Binhai Airport was impacted by the unauthorized flight of drones, which led to disruptions in flight operations. In response, the airport promptly activated the joint emergency response plan for extensive flight delays at the yellow level. The airport coordinated with various airlines and swiftly mobilized resources to ensure the safe transfer and accommodation of stranded passengers.
Flight Operations Resume
As of 6:10 am on September 12th, the CA293Y flight (Tianjin to Dalian) successfully took off from Tianjin Binhai Airport, signaling the resumption of normal takeoff and landing operations at the airport.
Legal Regulations and Consequences
According to the Civil Aviation Law of the People’s Republic of China, the airfield is a basic condition for ensuring the safety of aviation operations. It is prohibited to release objects that may affect flight safety within the designated civil airport area and within the airport air defense zone as stipulated by the state.
All units and individuals operating drones must comply with laws and regulations, strictly adhere to the provisions of the Temporary Regulations, and ensure safe and orderly flight operations. It is the responsibility and obligation of every drone operator to fly safely.
Penalties for Illegal Drone Flight
For illegal drone flights, the public security organs will impose penalties in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. If an offense constitutes a crime, criminal liability will be pursued.
Under Article 51, Paragraph 2 of the Interim Regulations on the Flight Management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, if an individual operates a miniature, light, or small civil unmanned aerial vehicle in the control area without approval or operates a model aircraft outside the air space designated by the air traffic management authority, the public security organs shall order the cessation of the flight and may impose a fine of not more than 500 yuan.
In serious cases, the illegal unmanned aerial vehicle may be confiscated, and a fine of between 1,000 yuan and 10,000 yuan may be imposed.
Conclusion
The incident at the Tianjin Binhai Airport serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to legal regulations when operating drones. The timely response of the airport and the cooperation of the airlines have minimized the impact of the unauthorized drone flights. As drone technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals and organizations to prioritize safety and compliance with existing laws to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
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