Drone Rules for Seletar Airport
Fly Status: Strictly Prohibited. The Seletar Airport (XSP) is a critical international and business aviation hub. Operating a drone in its vicinity is a severe security violation. Under the regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), unauthorized drone flight near this airport is a federal offense
No-Fly Zone (5km Rule): A 5-kilometer radius from any aerodrome or airport in Singapore is a mandatory No-Fly Zone (NFZ). Seletar Airport’s perimeter is strictly protected. Entering this airspace without an official Class 1 or Class 2 Activity Permit from the CAAS is illegal.
Legal Framework: Operations are governed by the Air Navigation Act and Unmanned Aircraft (Public Safety and Security) Act. Singapore’s drone laws are among the strictest in the world. Violations can result in fines up to $50,000, imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both.
National Security: Much of Singapore’s airspace is heavily regulated. Beyond the airport, Seletar is surrounded by sensitive areas, including military installations, which are subject to further restrictions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
How to be "Socially Accepted" and Lawful Do Not Fly Near XSP: The Seletar area is under 24/7 monitoring. The use of conventional drones is effectively banned within the 5km radius. Any unauthorized launch will be met with immediate police intervention and the likely seizure of your equipment.
Verify Airspace (OneMap): Always use the OneMap SG application before planning any flight. It is the official and most reliable tool to identify restricted areas, danger zones, and where permits are required.
Registration: If your drone weighs more than 250g, it must be registered with the CAAS before flight. You must display your registration label prominently on the drone body.
Professional Requirements: Commercial activities or flights within restricted areas require an Operator Permit and an Activity Permit. These processes involve coordination with multiple agencies (MHA, RSAF, MPA, IMDA) and can take 1–2 weeks for approval.