Finnish drone footage of dog grounds flights, triggers fine

A Finnish social media influencer’s drone footage of his dog led to the temporary closure of Alta Airport in northern Norway and a fine of 12,000 Norwegian kroner (about €1,000), Yle reports.

Atte Kalke, from Espoo, was filming his golden retriever, Leevi—known online as The Golden Leevi with over 88,000 TikTok followers—when police intervened. Authorities confiscated the drone after it was spotted near the airport on Saturday.

Kalke told Yle he was unaware of the airport’s proximity, as there were no warning signs in the area. He admitted to the offence and cooperated with police, which reduced the fine.

Norwegian police confirmed to Yle that a foreign national was fined for drone use near the airport. The incident occurred on Komsatoppen, a popular viewpoint near Alta, where drone activity is frequent despite restrictions.

Kalke, who documented the ordeal in a social media video, said police were understanding—even noting in his statement that the drone was used to film his “social media dog.”