SINGAPORE – All aerial activities – including the flying of unmanned aircraft such as drones and kites, and the hoisting of captive balloons – unless authorised, will be banned over certain areas of the Republic from Sept 19 to 23, during the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix.
This is to ensure the safety of the public and helicopters flying low as part of aerial filming during the event, said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) on Sept 13.
The Singapore Grand Prix will take place from Sept 20 to 22.
Temporary restricted areas will include Marina Bay Sands, Little India, Kallang River, Marina Barrage and Tiong Bahru, and extend from ground level to 1,220m above mean sea level.
The ban will be in effect from 2.30pm on Sept 19 till midnight; from 4.30pm on Sept 20 till 12.30am on Sept 21; from 4pm on Sept 21 till 1.30am on Sept 22; and from 4pm on Sept 22 till 1.30am on Sept 23.
CAAS said unauthorised aerial activity within the temporary restricted areas is an offence under the Air Navigation Order (ANO) and the Air Navigation (101 – Unmanned Aircraft Operations) Regulations 2019 (ANR-101).
First-time offenders under the ANO can be fined up to $20,000. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $40,000, jailed for up to 15 months, or both.
First-time offenders under the ANR-101 can be fined up to $50,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.
For subsequent convictions, they can be fined up to $100,000, jailed for up to five years, or both.
Existing restrictions on the conduct of aerial and unmanned aircraft activities within 5km of aerodromes, danger areas, prohibited areas, restricted areas and protected areas remain in force, added CAAS.
The public can check the OneMap.sg website or the OneMap app for information on areas where aerial and unmanned aircraft activities are prohibited or require a permit.
For more information on the temporary restricted areas during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, go to www.singaporegp.sg