Two fined for illegal drone flight
Two visitors have been fined for illegal drone flight. Both have accepted the fines.
A visitor has been fined for flying a drone 232 meters above the ground in the centre of Longyearbyen on 17 May 2026. The regulations require that the drone must be clearly visible to the drone pilot, and drone flight cannot take place higher than 120 meters above the ground or water. The drone pilot has been issued a fine of NOK 12,000. The fine has been accepted.
A visitor has been fined for flying a drone within a prohibited zone in the centre of Longyearbyen on 24 May 2026. It is prohibited to fly a drone closer than five km from the nearest airport without prior permission. The drone pilot has been issued a fine of NOK 12,000 and the drone has been confiscated. The fine has been accepted.
The Governor reminds of restrictions on drone flying, and refers to more information about the regulations here: Drones in Svalbard | The Governor in Svalbard