Drones Could Jeopardize Flood Relief Flights, Warns Air Force

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has issued a critical advisory urging the public to exercise caution when operating drones in disaster-affected areas, as unregulated drone activity poses a serious threat to ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

According to the SLAF, unauthorized drones in active airspace can interfere with flight paths, disrupt rescue missions, and even trigger catastrophic aircraft accidents. Such incidents not only endanger aircrew and valuable air assets but also put lives on the ground at grave risk.

To ensure uninterrupted relief efforts and safeguard lives, the SLAF requests the public to:

Refrain from flying drones in areas where SLAF or other response aircraft are engaged in relief missions.

Notify the SLAF of all drone take-off and landing times—whether authorized or unauthorized—before operating.

For notifications, the public can contact:

General Lines: 0112343970 / 0112343971

Hotline: 115

SLAF is calling for full cooperation during this critical period.

With helicopters and aircraft conducting high-risk operations in flood-hit zones, even a single drone could spell disaster.

The SLAF expressed appreciation for public understanding and reiterated that community support is vital to ensure safe skies and effective relief delivery.