Drone Illegal Flying Incidents at Airports Persist, Urgent Need for Strengthened Safety Supervision

In 2025, public safety crises caused by illegal drone flights, or “black flights,” have erupted in the airport sector. As of September 11, illegal drone incursions into no - fly zones have led to 29 flight delays, 8 flight cancellations, 32 flights being diverted to alternative airports, and over 3,000 passengers having their travel plans severely disrupted. The large - scale paralysis of flight takeoff and landing systems not only reflects the vulnerability of aviation operations but also brings the challenge of managing “black flights” into the public spotlight.​
In recent years, incidents of “black flights” disrupting airport operations have occurred frequently both at home and abroad. “Black flights” refer to unauthorized flight activities by individuals without private pilot licenses or aircraft without legal registration. Such activities have become a “Sword of Damocles” hanging over aviation safety. Looking back at April 21, 2017, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport was disturbed by four “black - flown” drones within just three hours, directly resulting in 58 flights being diverted, four aircraft returning, and the travel of more than 10,000 passengers being affected. This once - shocking typical case, together with the current frequent similar incidents, forms a disturbing timeline, confirming the long - term and arduous nature of “black flight” governance.​
From the perspective of security threats, “black flights” have created a three - dimensional risk matrix. In the military field, illegal flights may spy on national defense facilities and interfere with military operations. In terms of public safety, the potential terrorist threat of out - of - control drones carrying hazardous materials cannot be ignored. The direct impact on aviation order is even more severe, as the risk of collision with civil aircraft and electromagnetic interference hazards may lead to catastrophic consequences. In addition, the safety of ground personnel is also at risk, and casualties caused by falling out - of - control drones have been frequently reported.​
To solve the dilemma of “black flights,” a multi - dimensional governance system needs to be established. Civil aviation regulatory authorities should accelerate the improvement of regulations and standards, implementing systems such as real - name registration of drones and the demarcation of no - fly zones into detailed operating rules. At the technical level, intelligent control devices such as electronic fences and anti - drone jamming devices should be promoted to achieve real - time monitoring and active defense of the airspace around airports. Meanwhile, public awareness of aviation safety should be enhanced through warning with typical cases and popular science publicity, guiding drone users to abide by flight regulations. Only by the joint efforts of regulatory authorities, technology enterprises, and the public can we build a solid low - altitude safety defense line and restore order to the skies.​