Published 11 days ago • loading... • Updated 10 days ago

British tourists warned over €200,000 fines over little known rule in Spain

During the Virgen del Carmen maritime procession on July 15, 2025, Spanish National Police officers detected an unauthorised drone above the crowd, risking fines up to €225,000.
Under Spanish and EU legislation, drone flights over crowds require prior approval, registration, insurance, and authorization under Spain's Royal Decree on unmanned aircraft.
When confronted at Hotel Las Águilas, the drone pilot admitted they lacked a licence, insurance, and knowledge of Spanish aviation laws, despite strict enforcement warning.
In a warning to tourists, Spanish authorities remind visitors that operating drones without compliance can lead to severe legal and safety consequences, as police said this case should warn pilots that bringing a drone on vacation doesn't grant flight permission.
Spain and the European Union take drone laws very seriously, viewing unapproved urban flights during mass gatherings like festivals as a major safety risk.

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