CAAP warns vs. violation of no-fly zone, no drone policies during Papal visit

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines on Sunday warned owners of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones against violating the no-fly zone policy during Pope Francis' stay in the country.

In its notice to airmen (NOTAM) from January 15 to 19, released to media on Sunday, CAAP said those caught violating the policy will face fines ranging from P300,000 to P 500,000.

There’s a “no drone policy” from January 15-19, the NOTAM added.

Also, it said that during the entire stay of the pope in the country, areas to be visited by the pope will be declared "no-fly zones."

The no-fly zone would have a radius of three nautical miles from the venue and extends up to a height of 18,000 feet.

On January 15, NAIA will be closed to arriving aircraft from 2 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Departing flights will still be allowed to leave. From 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., all flight operations will be suspended.

On January 17, flight operations will be suspended at NAIA from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Tacloban City Airport will be closed from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

On January 19, NAIA will be closed to arriving aircraft from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., but departing flights will be allowed to leave. From 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., all flight operations will be suspended.

Any unauthorized operations of UAS or drones can be reported through CAAP’s Operation Rescue and Coordinating Center Hotlines: 02-8799110 or 0917-860-7245. — Bea Montenegro/LBG, GMA News