The use of drones creates hazardous situations in aviation

In the beginning of June drones were flown in the immediate vicinity of Norway’s main airport, Avinor Oslo Airport. This is illegal and can lead to very dangerous situations.

On Wednesday 13 June there were two incidents of illegal drone use close to Oslo Airport, which led to the air traffic controllers closing the runways for air traffic for a period. Luckily, no harm was done this time, but the incidents have been reported to the police.

“We take these incidents very seriously. This is illegal, and we ask that everyone who owns and operates a drone to be careful, and not least to familiarise themselves with and respect the rules, says Henning Bråtebæk, Director of Airside Operations at Oslo Airport.

“For aircraft in the landing or take-off stage, drones constitute a particularly serious hazard, quite simply because the aircraft are so close to the ground that there is a real risk of a collision between aircraft and drone. This could lead to an adverse aviation incident or in the worst case a plane crash where a lot of people are endangered. As airport operator, Avinor must give air safety first priority. We have a low tolerance for situations that can endanger air safety.