Changi Airport Had To Close One Runway & Delay 37 Flights Because Someone Flew Drone Nearby

Love shots like this?

Or maybe, this?

Love it so much you’d love nothing than to do this kind of shots all the time.

Well, make sure you don’t fly your drone near Changi Airport or you might just be causing thousands of people endless headaches.

Drones Caused Planes To Ground, Runway To Close

On 18 June, unauthorised (read: nobody knew until they suddenly appeared) drones were spotted flying near Changi Airport.

And because of that, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) decided to suspend one of the two runways of Changi Airport.

This was done to ensure “the safety of aircraft operations and passengers”.

So What’s The Damage?

No planes crashed, thanks to the quick thinking of the CAAS.

But a runway was suspended. And given how busy Changi Airport is nowadays, imagine how fierce the fight for the chance to use the runway is.

37 flights, both scheduled to land and take off, had to be delayed. A flight has to be diverted to Malaysia as well.

Authorities Searching For Culprits

Now, if you were the one who flew the drone near the airport, you might want to consider turning yourself in.

Because a team of elites, formed from the Singapore Armed Forces, CAAS, the police and Changi Airport Group have assembled.

And they’re hunting for you.

It was mentioned that this is a serious offence and if you’re caught, you’ll be in serious trouble.

Investigations are ongoing.

No Fly Zones

Now, in case you’re the proud owner of a drone and not aware, there are places in Singapore that you cannot fly a drone in.

You’re not allowed to fly a drone:

• Within 5 km of airports or airbases
• At altitudes above 200ft (61m)

If you’re caught violating the rules, you can be fined up to $20,000, be jailed up to 12 months, or both.

And it’s not just airbases and the airport.

You have to take note of prohibited areas, danger and restricted areas and protected areas as well.

In other words, owning a drone in Singapore is like owning a sports car. Can go fast but you cannot race.

You can check out this interactive map for more details.

Moral Of The Story

Don’t anyhowly fly a drone. And if you’re travelling to other countries, get travel insurance.

Because flight delays are about to get even more common with jokers that own drones around Singapore.