Mbabane – The Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA) has raised the alarm over a growing number of illegal commercial drone operations taking place across the Kingdom, warning that those found guilty face hefty fines or imprisonment.
ESWACAA said it has been receiving reports of unlicensed drone pilots, unregistered drones, unapproved commercial drone operators offering services, and operators conducting night flights using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, commonly known as drones.
Under the Civil Aviation Act of 2022, anyone who operates, maintains, or services an aircraft or aviation-related product without the required aviation safety instrument commits an offence. A first-time conviction carries a fine of up to E50,000 or a prison term of up to five years. Repeat offenders face a fine of up to E100,000 or up to ten years behind bars.
The Act also gives the Director General the power to detain aircraft or seize aeronautical products to prevent their operation where there is an immediate danger.
ESWACAA’s own regulations, under Order Doc No. ECA/REG/OPS/O/037 on UAV/RPAS Operational Approval Requirements, which came into effect on 1 September 2025, are equally clear. No drone may be operated commercially in Eswatini without a UAV/RPAS Approval and an associated Operation Specification issued by the authority.
Commercial drone operators are required to hold a valid Air Transport Licence, a UAV/RPAS Approval, a valid Remote Pilot Class licence, and a valid Class 3 medical certificate. They must also carry out an operational risk assessment, obtain permission from landowners where operations will be conducted, and take all steps to minimise risks to people, property, and other aircraft. Night drone flights are prohibited.
ESWACAA called on companies, NGOs, and members of the public not to hire unapproved drone operators and to verify that any drone pilot they intend to use holds a valid licence before signing any contract.
Anyone with information on suspected illegal drone activity can contact ESWACAA’s Flight Safety Standards Division by email at drones@eswacaa.co.sz or by phone on 2333-5370.
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