Kingdom Introduces New Civil Aviation Law With Tougher Drone Rules
Bahrain has introduced comprehensive new regulations governing drones and civil aviation under a decree-law establishing a Civil Aviation Authority with financial and administrative independence.
The legislation prohibits the possession, sale and operation of drones without the required licence and approvals from the Ministries of Defence and Interior.
It also introduces penalties for violations involving drones. Filming in breach of privacy or filming public gatherings without approval can carry imprisonment of up to five years, while actions that endanger airspace can result in prison terms of up to seven years.
The law also provides for penalties of up to seven years for hacking into or illegally controlling drone systems.
Under the decree-law, an aircraft accident investigation office will be established under the Cabinet. Employees of Civil Aviation Affairs will be transferred to the new authority while retaining their existing rights and benefits.
The head of the Civil Aviation Authority will be appointed by decree, while the relevant minister will remain accountable to Parliament. The authority will also be permitted to establish companies subject to Cabinet approval.
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