Central European airports face legislative gaps in drone defense

Legislative gaps in Central Europe are hindering the ability of civil authorities to counter drone threats at critical infrastructure, particularly airports.

In the Czech Republic, the Ministry of the Interior is proposing new laws to allow for anti-drone measures against unauthorized flights over protected areas. Currently, police can only intervene if a drone poses an immediate threat to life or property, a determination that is often difficult to make in real-time. The proposed amendment would allow for action based solely on the fact that a drone is operating in a restricted zone, extending protections to water sources, power plants, and medical facilities. Prague’s Václav Havel Airport reports monthly instances of unauthorized flights.

Similarly, in Poland, experts have identified a significant legislative lag. Civil airports and the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency currently lack the legal authority to neutralize drones. Under existing administrative regulations, only the police, border guard, military, or special services are permitted to take such actions. While infrastructure managers can detect drones, they are restricted to merely informing external authorities. Experts are calling for legal reforms to delegate neutralization powers to infrastructure managers to ensure a faster response to potential attacks.