Drone operators who endanger Bahrain’s airspace could face up to seven years in prison, while those who use drones for terrorist purposes or target critical infrastructure could face life imprisonment, or the death penalty if their actions result in fatalities.
New amendments to the Civil Aviation Law also propose prison terms of up to five years for illegally filming restricted areas, military operations or private activities, as well as fines of up to BD3,000 for unauthorised drone operations.
The Shura Council will be notified on Sunday of Decree-Law No 41 of 2026, issued by His Majesty King Hamad to amend the 2013 Civil Aviation Law, during its weekly session.
The amendments introduce a dedicated legal framework for unmanned aircraft, tighten controls over their use and establish tougher penalties for activities threatening public safety, national security and the privacy of individuals.
l Under the amended provisions, operating a drone without a licence, importing or possessing one illegally, or undertaking unauthorised manufacturing, maintenance, modification or training activities could result in imprisonment and a fine of up to BD3,000, or either punishment.
The same penalties apply to reckless drone operation, unauthorised aerial photography or recording, and the unlawful collection of information using remote-sensing technology.
l Those who use drones to invade people’s privacy, photograph restricted areas without permission, or record military and security operations, military displays or public gatherings without approval could face up to five years in prison and fines ranging from BD2,000 to BD5,000.
l More serious offences carry a maximum seven-year prison term.
These include unlawfully seizing or taking control of a drone, operating one in a manner that threatens airspace safety, illegally hacking its operating systems, fitting it with weapons, explosives or hazardous materials, or using jamming equipment without authorisation.
The penalties also cover using drones to intercept, interfere with or disrupt communications.
l The toughest penalties apply when drone-related crimes are committed for terrorist purposes or against military and security facilities, critical infrastructure, oil installations or official motorcades.
Life imprisonment could be imposed if an offence falls into these categories or if drone operations interfere with the equipment or duties of military and security authorities.
If any of the offences results in a person’s death, the court could impose the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Courts would also be required to confiscate drones, tools, equipment and devices used in committing the offences.
l The amendments prohibit a wide range of drone-related activities without authorisation, including operating, importing, exporting, selling, renting, possessing or modifying aircraft and their components.
Even fitting drones with cameras or other recording equipment would require permission, alongside approval from the Bahrain Defence Force and Interior Ministry where applicable.
Flying over prohibited or restricted areas, establishing drone operating infrastructure and developing or maintaining drone systems are also covered by the new controls.
The Bahrain Defence Force and Interior Ministry, alongside the Civil Aviation Authority, would be empowered to take immediate preventive measures against drones that threaten airspace security or enter restricted, prohibited or dangerous areas without permission.
The decree-law also restructures the country’s civil aviation regulatory system by establishing the Civil Aviation Authority as a financially and administratively independent legal entity under ministerial supervision.
A president appointed by royal decree would lead the authority, which would oversee aviation safety and security, airport operations, air navigation, aircraft airworthiness, licensing and compliance with international standards.
The authority would also be empowered to establish companies wholly or partly owned by the State, or acquire stakes in existing companies, subject to Cabinet approval.
Another major change is the creation of an Accident and Aircraft Incident Investigation Office under the Cabinet.
The office would investigate accidents and serious incidents involving Bahraini aircraft abroad, as well as aircraft operated by airlines headquartered in Bahrain, collect and analyse safety information, identify causes and recommend measures to prevent recurrence.
Obstructing investigators, interfering with their work or deliberately concealing, destroying or altering evidence could result in six months to two years in prison and fines ranging from BD1,000 to BD10,000.
Unauthorised disclosure of confidential investigation information could attract fines of between BD500 and BD5,000.
The amendments also give authorities powers, subject to prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority, to temporarily ground aircraft or prevent individuals from exercising their pilot licences, certificates or permits on justified safety grounds.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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