Drone Rules for Don Khong
Civilian drone operations within four kilometers of Khong Island Airstrip are strictly prohibited under Lao civil aviation rules. Located in the 4,000 Islands region, the airstrip accommodates emergency healthcare charters and low-altitude river rescue helicopters. Unmanned aircraft operating near the runway or helipad
Official directives from the Lao Department of Civil Aviation designate Khong Island Airstrip as a restricted zero-drone area. Air ambulance helicopters depend on open, unobstructed approach corridors to carry critical patients across the river archipelago. Operating an unapproved drone in this restricted sector directly endangers the safety of emergency flight crews.
Perimeter security forces actively monitor the terrain surrounding Khong Island Airstrip 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.