Police seize unauthorised drone over Malaga Feria 2026 opening show: Fines up to €90,000

Late Friday night, police in Malaga thwarted a rogue drone threatening to disrupt the official drone swarm and fireworks opening ceremony for the Feria de Malaga 2026. Around 11:55pm, national police's aerial unit spotted the unauthorized aircraft buzzing over Malaga Port as the festivities began. The drone had taken off near Gibralfaro and drifted towards the crowded waterfront just minutes before the pyrotechnic display commenced.

Thousands gathered for the welcome show, so officers acted swiftly to maintain airspace safety. Police tracked the pilot, eventually locating a 27-year-old man who was ordered to land the small aircraft. The drone was seized, and the operator faced severe penalties under the Air Safety Law, which can result in fines ranging from €2,500 to €90,000 depending on the specifics.

Thanks to rapid action, the drone did not interfere with the event, ensuring a safe experience for the thousands of attendees. Spain adheres to EU drone regulations overseen by AESA, which provide guidelines on no-fly zones, maximum altitudes, visual line-of-sight requirements, and restrictions on flying over crowds or events. Violating these rules can lead to hefty fines and legal consequences.

Responsible drone operators should always check the ENAIRE Drones map before flight, avoid flying over crowds or sensitive areas, and report any suspicious activities to local authorities.