Less than a week after deadly aerial attacks of an oil refinery and the Abu Dhabi international airport, officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced an indefinite ban on flights of consumer drones and light sports aircraft.
The announcement by the UAE’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) came nearly a week after January 17 strikes attributed to Iran-allied Houthi forces killed three people at an oil facility, and caused damage and a fire at the airport. Although officials described those attacks as having used cruise missiles and military grade drones, the generally tightening security initiatives in the country led authorities to ban flights of commercial UAVs, as well as light planes and gliders.
“MOI is currently stopping all flying operations for owners, practitioners and enthusiasts of drones, including drones and light sports aircraft,” the communique said of the prohibition that went into place on Saturday. “MOI reminded users that anyone…
