The reason for these far -reaching measures is clear: safety. “This prohibition has been introduced from a security point of view, and it also enables us to better monitor the airspace,” explains the Aviation Officer of Justice Van Bijsterveldt.
She points out that no distinction can be made between an innocent drone and a potentially dangerous. “Just like with children who play with fake weapons – an agent cannot see from a distance whether something is real or fake. You always keep in mind that it can be something malignant.”
Worry about disruption NATO top
Van Bijsterveldt is worried because many people do not seem to know the rules. Just In 2023 there were around 40,000 illegal drone flights around Schiphol and Amsterdam.
“There is a fear of a disruption of the NATO summit or spread of unwanted information. That is why there is a general prohibition-regardless of whether someone is flying professionally, recreational or hobby. Ultimately, a safe NATO summit is in everyone’s interest, nobody wants nasty things that cause unrest.”
Fines up to more than a thousand euros
The authorities will act strictly. “If you do fly, your drone will be confiscated. You run the risk of a hefty fine or even summons. Drones have already been intercepted in The Hague,” says Van Bijsterveldt. Fines can amount to more than a thousand euros.
The current (forbidden) fly zones in the Netherlands are on the flight cards of Godrone and Aeret Card Vail.