The use of private drones during “firefighting operations” is banned, the civil aviation department said on Wednesday.

It said that drones “have been reported flying dangerously close to manned aircraft during firefighting efforts in various parts of Cyprus”, with firefighting aircraft frequently deployed when wildfires break out during the summer months.

“According to European regulations, it is strictly prohibited to operate drones near or within areas where emergency response operations are taking place without authorisation from the competent authorities,” it said.

It added that all drone pilots have the obligation to “avoid any risk of collision with manned aircraft” and to “immediately terminate the flight if it may endanger aircraft, people, animals, the environment, or property”.

“Violators will be prosecuted,” it said.