Spain requests Morocco adjust drone altitudes after Melilla airport incident

Spain has requested that Morocco adjust the flight altitude of its drones following an incident near the Melilla airport on Tuesday, September 22. While Spanish government officials noted the drone remained within Moroccan airspace, its proximity to the approach path interfered with flight operations.

The incident caused a delay for an Iberia aircraft during its approach. According to airport operator Aena, the impact was limited to the specific flight involved, and other airport activities continued without the need for airspace closures or widespread cancellations.

Madrid has formally asked Rabat to ensure drone flight altitudes in the border region do not obstruct commercial aircraft landing at or departing from Melilla. The Spanish Ministry of Transport noted that the adjacent Moroccan airspace is a factor that complicates the expansion of the airport's operational capabilities.