ABU DHABI // A rise in mid-air collisions and near misses caused by aerial drones will be top of the agenda at a major aviation conference in Dubai next week.
Speakers at the World Aviation Safety Summit will focus on flight disruption to airspace used by commercial, government and private aircraft.
The authorities have been working on tougher rules to ensure commercial drone operations and hobbyists are closely regulated.
After several airspace closures that cost millions of dirhams to the UAE economy, regulations were introduced to tackle incursions.
These included the prohibition of drones within 5km of UAE airports and a requirement of a licence to operate any drone. Dh20,000 fines are now given for users without one.
The US Federal Aviation Administration said pilots and air-traffic controllers currently report more than 100 drone sightings each month, with more than 1,200 incidents recorded last year.
Research conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), found in the 856 drone-related reports from the beginning of 2013 to mid-2016 drones.
The report said at least one of the drones had collided with an aircraft, along with another suspected collision.
This trend is set to continue according to one study, which predicts at least a ten-fold increase in mid-air drone collisions and near misses within the next 10 years.
Mohammed Ahli, director general at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, said there had to be greater awareness among the public about the risks of flying the devices.
“It is important that we continue to educate our citizens about the rules around drones to ensure maximum safety in our airspace. Regulations and procedures are helping to minimise the dangers and we are working with industry stakeholders to continue addressing the challenges that drones bring,” said Mr Ahli.
The two-day summit will take place in Dubai on April 11 and 12.
tsubaihi@thenational.ae
