UAE Press: Dubai drone alert system will boost airspace safety

A local newspaper today spoke about the new Sky Commander Tracking Programme, a drone-intrusion alert system which is now 'live' over Dubai airspace. The system was introduced to prevent problems of drones flying into restricted air-space over Dubai International Airport.

In an editorial today, the Gulf News said that it was a problem that required an urgent solution and the Dubai authorities came through with flying colours in addressing it so speedily.

The paper said that the Sky Commander Tracking Programme is pre-emptive technology which will avert the problems of drones flying into restricted areas over Dubai International Airport. It was a problem that first reared its head in early 2016 when three incidents of drone intrusion led to disruptions in the airport's functionality and flight activity, compromising passenger safety and instigation financial losses.

The editorial went on to say that the salient feature of the system, the first of its kind anywhere and another feather in Dubai’s cap, is its ability to detect offending drones and signal a red alert via SMS to its registered owners and operators, instructing them to immediately make a course correction for their drone and withdraw it from the airspace.

The paper explained that the system "is an excellent example of technology raising its own game to even out the odds in its own backyard."

The Sky Trax system allows for more robust detection of drones compared to conventional radar, thus almost eliminating the margin of error. As such, this development carries with it assurances for the safety and security of passengers flying in or out of Dubai airport. Complementing this technological improvement are the much-tightened regulations for drone users, both commercial and hobbyist.

The editorial concluded by saying that the decision made by authorities in April to formalise a series of formal steps to be taken in order to own, licence and operate a drone, as well as tough penalties mandated for violators, "is ensuring that there is a zero chance of an indiscriminate use of a drone."