site.btaGovernment Tightens Rules for Drone Use, Offers Mechanisms to Counter Offenders

The government has approved amendments to the Civil Aviation Act, which strengthen controls over the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). The amendments legally prohibit drone flights without permission in areas with restrictions or prohibitions, including within the secured perimeter of civil airports. It also sets out the rules under which procedures will be adopted to force the landing or removal of drones that violate these provisions.

The aim is to ensure safety and security in the operation of drones and to prevent situations of their unauthorized entry into the restricted areas of Bulgarian airports.

An amendment to the Penal Code introduces mechanisms for holding persons operating drones without the necessary authorization criminally liable.