Kite Flying Near Airports: Not Just Dangerous – It’s Illegal and Globally Regulated

Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd (AASL) has warned the public not to fly kites or any other objects above 300 feet near international airports, saying it is dangerous and illegal.

This rule applies to areas within 5 kilometres of all five international airports in Sri Lanka—Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), Colombo International Airport Ratmalana (CIAR), Batticaloa International Airport, and Jaffna International Airport (JIA).

AASL says flying kites near airports can be very risky. Kites can get pulled into aircraft engines or get stuck in propellers, which could make the engines stop working. This can cause serious danger to both the aircraft and people on the ground.

Since international flights take off and land at these airports every day, people living nearby are asked not to fly kites or release any flying objects above 300 feet. The public is also asked to teach children not to fly kites near airports.

AASL clearly mentioned that breaking this rule is a punishable offence and legal action will be taken against those who do not follow it.

Not Gossip—A Global Aviation Standard

Some may see this as a sudden or excessive restriction, but it’s important to understand that this is not a new "gossip-flying" style rule unique to Sri Lanka. Regulations banning kite flying and other aerial activities near airports are common across the world, and in many places, the penalties are even stricter.

🌍 Global Comparisons: What Other Countries Do

USA: The FAA bans flying drones or objects above 400 ft or within 5 miles of an airport without approval. Fines can reach US$27,500.

UK: The Civil Aviation Authority restricts flying any aerial object within 5 km of airports. Violators can face criminal prosecution or unlimited fines.

India: Flying kites or drones near airports without permission is illegal and punishable under the Aircraft Act.

Singapore: Any flying activity within 5 km of an airport requires approval. Violators may face fines up to SGD 50,000 or 2 years’ imprisonment.

These international standards exist for one simple reason: aviation safety. Objects in the air—even simple kites—can cause foreign object damage (FOD) to aircraft engines or distract pilots during critical moments like landing and takeoff.

Sri Lanka’s enforcement of these rules by the AASL is not just reasonable—it is a necessary step to protect passengers, pilots, and people on the ground.