A British holidaymaker faces a substantial fine after illegally flying a drone during one of Spain’s most popular festivals, authorities have confirmed. The tourist was caught piloting the device amidst the thronged celebrations of the Virgen del Carmen festival in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, on 15 July—a breach of strict Spanish aviation laws.
The incident unfolded during the festival’s renowned procession, which annually attracts thousands of enthusiastic spectators to the streets of the bustling Canary Islands municipality. National Police officers monitoring the event quickly noticed a drone flying overhead, unauthorised and darting among the crowds. They acted promptly, managing to trace the operator to the nearby Hotel Las Águilas, set on the town’s hilltops.
Upon confrontation, the tourist admitted having neither the required pilot licence nor insurance, and confessed to being unfamiliar with Spain’s legislative requirements for drone operation. Police swiftly confiscated the drone, and the matter was referred to Spain’s State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), which has the authority to launch administrative proceedings in such cases.
Under both Spanish and European Union regulations, flying drones over urban areas or large gatherings demands prior approval. Moreover, pilots must be registered, adequately insured, and able to demonstrate their competence through official training. On the day of the festival, only three drones had received authorisation to operate: two managed by the National Police for the purposes of event security, and a third for official coverage sanctioned by the organisers.
As a consequence of the breach, the tourist could face a penalty of up to €200,000—currently around £170,000. Spanish officials have highlighted this as a stern warning to visitors, reiterating that violations of drone guidelines are treated with utmost gravity, particularly in the vicinity of festivals or other crowded public events where safety risks are amplified.
A spokesperson for the authorities underlined that drones “are not toys,” and urged all foreign visitors to ensure they are familiar with local and national regulations before operating such devices, whether for recreational or professional purposes. Penalties for unauthorised use can vary depending on the seriousness of the infraction but are routinely substantial to dissuade rule-breakers and protect public safety.
For many tourists, the temptation to capture Spain’s scenic coastlines or lively festivities from the sky is understandably strong. However, experts caution that ignorance of the law is not considered a viable defence. All visitors who wish to fly drones weighing more than 250 grams or equipped with a camera must obtain the correct clearances and follow strict regulatory protocols.
Reflecting on the incident, local authorities hope that the case will serve as a cautionary tale to prevent similar occurrences during future events, especially as drone technology becomes more accessible. With major festivals across Spain drawing both citizens and international guests, organisers are increasingly vigilant against unauthorised aerial activity.
The AESA and Spanish police are continuing their campaign to increase awareness among tourists, distributing information at airports, hotels, and online platforms. Prospective drone pilots are urged to research the latest legislation and submit requests for permits well in advance of travel, particularly in the Canary Islands—an increasingly popular holiday destination rich in cultural festivities.
Given the severity of the consequences, compliance with Spain’s drone rules is now a must for all visitors. As authorities tighten their grip on aerial safety, the message remains clear: while the country welcomes drone enthusiasts, any operation must be strictly within the bounds of the law.