NCAA vows crackdown on illegal drone flights

The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to drone operators, vowing to take firm action against offenders amid increasing reports of reckless flights in restricted areas.NCAA spokesperson Nelson Ashipala said drones, officially known as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), are increasingly being flown near airports, military bases, national parks, private homes and farms, posing a direct threat to aviation safety and public security.“The situation has become unacceptable. These are clear violations, and the authority will not tolerate them any longer,” he said, adding that those caught breaking the law will face repercussions.The authority&#039;s regulations stipulate that drone flights in restricted or prohibited airspace, near aerodromes or beyond the pilot’s visual line of sight are illegal unless operators hold proper certification and authorisation.Invasive, illegalWhile acknowledging the value of drones in agriculture, research, tourism and photography, Ashipala said misuse threatens national interests and cannot be ignored. To curb violations, the NCAA will soon launch a responsible use of drones campaign, aimed at educating the public, highlighting no-fly zones and promoting accountability.Ashipala said the authority has received complaints about drones landing on private property, which constitutes a breach of security.He appealed to all operators to play their part: “Fly responsibly, stay informed and help us keep Namibia’s skies safe.”The tourism ministry recently announced a complete ban on drones within Etosha National Park, citing escalating security concerns linked to rhino poaching.Farmers urged to reportAccording to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), drones have become an increasing nuisance across the country, with more farmers and rural residents reporting sightings – especially at night."The question was raised whether these drone sightings hold any connection to poaching or theft incidents,” the union said.In response, the NAU has urged the public to report sightings so they can be investigated.The union said a data collection protocol has been established to log sightings potentially linked to potential criminal activity.“Alarm has been raised with the police and the NCCA, and both instances require written feedback to start an investigation," NAU explained.“Should drones be confiscated, they should be handled with care so that fingerprints, IP address details, drone type, make, and model, and footage can be secured,” the union added.

NCAA vows crackdown on illegal drone flights

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-10

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NCAA vows crackdown on illegal drone flights

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-10

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