Civil Aviation Department Probes Drone Footage of National Day Fireworks
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong aviation authorities are investigating a mainland photography blogger who allegedly flew a drone over Victoria Harbour without permission during last week's National Day fireworks display. The 23-minute show attracted approximately 380,000 spectators, and the footage subsequently went viral on social media platforms before being removed. The Civil Aviation Department has warned that violators face fines of up to HK$100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
Key Points
- The incident involves a mainland blogger from Kunming, Yunnan province, who posted aerial footage of the Victoria Harbour fireworks on Xiaohongshu
- The drone model used was identified as a DJI Mavic 4 Pro, filmed over Victoria Harbour, a restricted flying zone under the Small Unmanned Aircraft Order
- The blogger claimed in online comments that the flight was authorised, saying "I was allowed to fly" and "no need to report," sparking criticism from Hong Kong netizens
- Police had previously warned that both sides of Victoria Harbour are restricted flying zones and that unauthorised drone flights are prohibited
- A similar incident occurred in 2025 when police caught another mainland visitor operating a drone without permission at Edinburgh Place in Central during National Day celebrations
Why It Matters
This case highlights ongoing enforcement challenges for Hong Kong authorities in regulating drone operations in sensitive airspace over one of the city's most iconic locations, particularly during major public events that draw hundreds of thousands of spectators .
This case highlights ongoing enforcement challenges for Hong Kong authorities in regulating drone operations in sensitive airspace over one of the city's most iconic locations, particularly during major public events that draw hundreds of thousands of spectators .