During the Hogueras festivities in Alicante, local authorities identified a dozen illegal drone flights whose operators faced sanctions. One individual was found to have accumulated eleven violations of current aviation regulations while piloting an unmanned aircraft during the fireworks launch. The police reminded the public that illegal drone operations can endanger bystanders and disrupt safety during large public events.
The Department of Security confirmed that Alicante has deployed an air surveillance system designed to protect citizens by detecting unauthorized drone flights over its airspace.
Local Police oversee this system with daily, real-time city-wide monitoring. The Air Media Unit, in collaboration with the Local Police Rapid Response Operational Group, developed a specialized approach to detect illegal drone activity during the San Juan Bonfires and the fireworks from June 25 to 29, during which twelve offenders were identified.
Jose Ramon Gonzalez, a member of the Security Council, praised the work of these specialized police units and noted that the initiative strengthens surveillance on beaches and event venues to enhance safety for residents and visitors alike.
The mayor urged everyone to comply with aviation regulations to avoid using drones in restricted areas, emphasizing the goal of safeguarding wellbeing and safety for all.
The control operation utilized AeroScope, a modern computer-tracking and monitoring system that records drone activity for surveillance and control. Using this system, authorities captured serial numbers, model types, system IDs, flight durations, and maximum altitudes of illegal flights.
During Hogueras, several illegal flights exceeded safe operating limits near Postiguet Beach. The Local Police noted that many violations contravened both European and Spanish aviation rules and recommended enforcement actions, along with a formal complaint to the state air security agency.
One incident occurred in the early hours of June 28 near a fireworks display in the Postiguet area. Aircraft Unit officers located the pilot in a city street; GOIR officers instructed the operator to land immediately and requested relevant documents related to the drone operation.
In identifying the pilot, authorities determined that the individual had accumulated a total of eleven aviation violations of varying severity and had previously filed a complaint report with the State Aviation Safety Agency. The offender could face substantial economic penalties that may exceed 200,000 euros.
Local Police also reported a surveillance drone being deployed for monitoring during the event. The most serious violations cited included flying within eight kilometers of an airport without coordination with the airport Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez, exceeding the legal height limit of 120 meters above ground, lacking a valid pilot license, lacking insurance, and failing to keep the drone within sight while observing the fireworks show. These breaches threatened public safety and airspace integrity.
In addition to the infractions listed, the Police filed a complaint under privacy laws to protect citizens and residences. In several instances the pilots recorded video from windows of private homes and a nearby hotel that lay within the drone routes, raising privacy and security concerns for residents and visitors.
Officials stressed that the drive to enforce these rules is part of a broader commitment to safeguarding public order and privacy while promoting safe celebrations for all who enjoy Alicante.