Aviation will be restricted over Helsinki and its neighbouring areas due to the summit between the Presidents of Russia and the United States. The restrictions apply to both air traffic and unmanned aircraft, such as drones.
The restrictions will begin at 6am on Sunday 15 July 2018 and end at 8am on Tuesday 17 July 2018. During that period, aviation, including the flying of drones and other unmanned aircraft, will be completely prohibited over central Helsinki and the area adjoining the Helsinki-Vantaa air traffic control zone, with the exception of commercial air traffic headed for or departing from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. No special permits will be granted.
“The visit will create an exceptional situation in which no risks of any kind can be taken. We hope that the public understands this. The restrictions are being imposed in order to guarantee the safety of our high-ranking guests and will promote the smooth implementation of security arrangements, since the authorities will have their own airborne operations in the area,” says Chief Inspector Sami Hätönen of the Helsinki Police Department.
“The public authorities have equipment at their disposal for detecting unauthorised aviation. In such cases, there will be a low threshold for intervention. Those who violate the restrictions may be committing a range of offences and their equipment could be confiscated as a means of committing an offence.”
