The Civil Aviation Department today reminded the public not to operate drones near the Hong Kong International Airport.

The department also called on the public not to interrupt aeronautical communication by transmitting radio waves.

It noted there were online posts about operating drones in the vicinity of the airport and testing radio waves at various locations in Hong Kong to interrupt aeronautical communication.

The Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 stipulates that anybody who recklessly or negligently acts in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft or any person therein is liable to a fine and two years’ imprisonment.

Under section 35 of the Airport Authority Bylaw, no person shall fly a model plane, including a drone within the Bylaw Area. If convicted, offenders face a maximum penalty of a $50,000 fine and six months in jail.

Meanwhile, the Telecommunications Ordinance makes it an offence for anyone to possess a radiocommunications apparatus without a valid licence and knowingly and without lawful excuse to use an apparatus to cause harmful interference with any other lawful telecommunications services or apparatus.

Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a fine and imprisonment.