Drone Rules for Ratanakiri Airport
Civilian drone operations within five kilometers of Ratanakiri Airport are strictly prohibited under Cambodian civil aviation rules. Located in eastern Banlung, the airfield accommodates emergency healthcare charters and low-altitude forest conservation helicopters. Unmanned aircraft operating near the runway or helipa
Official directives from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation designate Ratanakiri Airport as a restricted zero-drone area. Air ambulance helicopters depend on open, unobstructed approach corridors to carry critical patients across the highlands. Operating an unapproved drone in this restricted sector directly endangers the safety of emergency flight crews.
Perimeter security forces actively monitor the area surrounding Ratanakiri Airport to apprehend illegal drone operators. Violators face immediate arrest, severe financial penalties, and permanent forfeiture of all flight hardware. Exemptions are strictly limited to official state mapping missions authorized directly by civil aviation officers.