Kuwait brings drones under new law, with jail terms and fines up to KD5,000
Dubai: Kuwait has introduced a comprehensive law regulating drones, light sport aircraft and air sports, imposing licensing and security requirements and allowing prison terms of up to three years and fines of as much as KD5,000 for some violations. Decree-Law No. 89 of 2026, published in issue No. 1808 of the official gazette Kuwait Al Youm, took effect from the date of publication. Get updated…
Kuwait has enacted a new law governing drones, light sport aircraft, and air sports, introducing licensing requirements and imposing strict penalties for violations. The 44-article Decree-Law No. 89 of 2026, published in Kuwait Al Youm, came into effect upon its publication.
The law mandates that all covered aircraft must be registered with the civil aviation authority and possess an airworthiness certificate before operation. Owners must also promptly report any changes to their registration details within seven working days. Unauthorized operation without a valid operating licence or without proper pilot and assistance licenses, as stipulated by Kuwait's aviation safety rules, can result in imprisonment for up to three years and fines of up to KD5,000.
Certain prohibited activities, such as unauthorized air-sports operations, drone imports or manufacturing, commercial flights near airports or restricted areas, and flight around military and security installations when posing a threat to state security or safety, attract more severe punishments, including up to three years in prison and fines ranging from KD3,000 to KD5,000.
Security and military authorities are granted broad powers to intercept, disable, take control of, or, if necessary, shoot down aircraft deemed a threat to state security or public safety. However, they are shielded from legal and civil liability for any damage caused during the exercise of these powers.
The legislation also prohibits offering air-sports activities without the necessary licence, and importing, manufacturing, assembling, programming, or modifying drones, light sport aircraft, or their components require permits from the aviation authority and Interior Ministry approval. Businesses involved in these activities must secure appropriate commercial licences, security approvals, and aviation permits.
To ensure safety and privacy, the law prohibits flights within airport zones, over restricted or prohibited areas, during night hours, and in unsuitable weather conditions, unless special permission is granted by the civil aviation authority. Additionally, drone operators must maintain visual contact with their aircraft, avoid collisions with people, property, and other aircraft, and ensure that personnel are fit for duty and not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or psychotropic substances.
Operators must report any loss of control or accidents involving their aircraft to the aviation authority immediately. Manufacturers, importers, and operators must comply with technical requirements for radio frequencies to prevent interference with aviation navigation and telecommunications networks. Government entities may use drones and light sport aircraft for approved purposes, such as emergency relief operations and scientific research, after obtaining the necessary licences and permits.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
