The Spanish National Police’s Aerial Unit in Malaga has issued a stern warning after intercepting three unauthorised drones flying over the Ironman 70.3 World Championship course in Marbella earlier in November. The owners of which now face fines ranging from €1,000 to €225,000 and permanent confiscation of their aircraft.
The drones were detected and brought down using anti-drone systems deployed as part of the security operation for the international triathlon event. According to Nacional Police sources, the devices were operating in close proximity to the race route without the mandatory aeronautical coordination or authorisation from the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA).
Drone safety – big fines
“Ensuring the safety of large public events is our priority,” a spokesman for the Malaga Provincial Police Headquarters said. “These unauthorised flights not only violated current legislation but also posed a real risk to athletes, spectators and low-flying emergency helicopters.”
All three pilots were identified on the ground, the drones were seized, and fine proposals have been forwarded to AESA under the Air Safety Law 21/2003. Penalties of this magnitude are reserved for serious or very serious infringements, particularly when public safety is endangered.
Police say that even drones weighing under 250 grams, often listed as “toy” models, are not exempt from regulation. While they do not require pilot training certificates, owners must still register as operators (if the device has a camera), check restricted airspace via the ENAIRE Drones app, and comply with all flight restrictions. In eastern Andalusia during 2024, 90 per cent of drone-related fines involved these lightweight models.
Nationwide, unauthorised drone sightings have forced the temporary closure of airspace at five Spanish airports so far this year, part of a Europe-wide trend in threats to commercial air traffic from drones.
Advice for drone hobbyists on the Costa del Sol
If you enjoy flying drones recreationally along the beaches and mountains of Malaga province, follow these simple rules to stay legal and avoid heavy fines:
- Register for free as an operator on the AESA website (seguridadaerea.gob.es) and display your operator number on every drone with a camera or weighing over 250 g – even the popular DJI Mini series.
- Before every flight, open the ENAIRE Drones app or website and check the real-time map. Large parts of the Costa del Sol (especially near Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, heliports, and urban Marbella) are permanently restricted or require prior coordination.
- Never fly over crowds, beaches with bathers, or sporting events. Keep at least 8 km away from any airport or helipad and stay below 120 metres altitude.
- Take the free online A1/A3 exam on the AESA platform (takes about 40 minutes) – it’s mandatory for most drones and gives you peace of mind.
- Buy third-party liability insurance (from around €30–60 per year) – it’s compulsory for almost all outdoor flights.
- During big events (Starlite Festival, Ironman, Grand Prix, etc.), expect heightened surveillance and total no-fly zones enforced by police anti-drone teams.
Flying responsibly keeps the skies open for everyone. One moment of carelessness near a crowded beach or event can cost you the drone and tens – or hundreds – of thousands of euros. When in doubt, don’t launch.