The Ministry of Transport (MoT), in cooperation with RIX Riga Airport and the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA), is launching an informational campaign: “Don’t fly in the red zone! Raise your knowledge before you raise your drone!” The aim of the campaign is to explain that unmanned aircraft—drones—are not permitted to fly in the vicinity of Riga Airport or other strategically important locations. The campaign will run before Christmas, reminding people that while drones make great gifts, they also come with added responsibility.
The target audience of the campaign is every drone user, emphasizing that drone regulations must be followed. The rules clearly outline where and how drones may be flown, and in most cases, user registration, drone marking, and basic theoretical training are required. Before flying a drone, it is mandatory to check airspace restrictions.
Drone users must be aware that Riga Airport operates a system for monitoring, identifying, and tracking drones and recording violations throughout the airport’s surrounding area. When a violation is detected, the drone user is identified, and a warning, a fine, or even criminal liability may follow.
The area around RIX Riga Airport and other strategically important sites is a special zone where drone flights are only permitted with prior authorization. Unauthorized flights directly endanger the takeoff and landing of other aircraft, creating risks to air traffic, financial losses for the aviation sector, and significant inconvenience for the passengers.
For parents planning to give a drone as a gift to their children, it is recommended to complete the online training together with them and discuss restrictions and no-fly zones—such as the airport area, military and strategic sites, ports, high-voltage power lines, and other. A clear understanding of the rules helps ensure safe and responsible drone use.
The campaign is taking place in the digital environment—in the social media channels of the Ministry of Transport and its partners, featuring short educational videos on safe drone use, practical tips, and collaborations with content creators who will address young people and parents about responsible behavior in the airspace.
The campaign is implemented with co-financing from European Union funds, which supports the project “Implementation of a solution for the detection, identification, tracking, and counteraction of unmanned aircraft” at RIX Riga Airport.
