Investigations into Drone Flight over Palma Airport Initiated

Drone triggers shutdown at Palma Airport — authorities investigating

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Sunday evening there was a brief stir at Palma Airport: An unmanned aircraft had breached the restricted airspace and caused about a 35-minute interruption to flight operations. Passengers waiting in Terminal A later reported announcements and nervous staff at the gate.

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The Guardia Civil has officially opened an investigation. The specialized unit responsible for airspace security, PEGASO, took over the operation and has been trying since Sunday evening to identify the pilot or owner of the drone. According to authorities, footage from surveillance cameras is now being evaluated, radio and radar logs checked, and witnesses questioned.

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What happened and why it's dangerous

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Such incidents are not only a nuisance; they can also be dangerous: Even small drones can cause significant damage to aircraft in a collision or disrupt landing maneuvers. In this case it ended in an interruption, but authorities emphasize that any intrusion into security zones concerns them greatly.

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Legally, drones are considered aircraft – those who fly in controlled areas without authorization risk hefty fines and possibly criminal charges. The Guardia Civil noted that sanctions can be very high depending on the individual case.

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How the search is proceeding

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The investigators are currently scanning video footage along the access roads around the airport and checking whether hobby pilots have appeared conspicuously on social networks. Officials are also reviewing flight clearances from those minutes, analyzing radar traces, and speaking with airport staff. Several eyewitnesses who stood in the P3 parking area said they saw a small, helmet-like device — exact details are not yet known.

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Whether passenger flights were merely delayed or had to be diverted entirely varies by airline. Travelers should check their flight status online before departure — many complaints arise from lack of information, not only from the incidents themselves.

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A clear appeal

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The investigators' message is clear: Anyone who owns a drone must know and respect the rules. No flights into restricted zones, avoid proximity to airports, obtain permissions if necessary. Otherwise there will be not only fines but investigations with possible criminal consequences.

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We will stay on this and inform as soon as the Guardia Civil announces concrete results. In the meantime: best to leave the drone at home when near an airport.