French tourists fined for flying drones near Billund Airport

French tourists visiting Billund have been fined for flying drones too close to the airport, prompting police to issue warnings to others, reports Danish broadcaster DR.

A French family recently left Billund with a fine after using a drone to take photos, unaware of the strict no-fly zone around the airport. A man from Grenaa was also penalised for the same offence.

“It’s unfortunate to fine a family on holiday who didn’t act with bad intent, but the rules are clear,” said Stig Simonsen, deputy police inspector for Sydøstjyllands Politi. He added that most violations stem from tourists unaware of how close the airport is to the town.

Billund is designated a “red drone zone,” meaning drone flights are prohibited without special permission from the Danish Transport Authority. The entire area is under a permanent no-fly restriction to ensure air traffic safety.

Police are working with local businesses, including Lalandia and Legoland, to inform visitors. Lalandia has installed signs and included warnings in guest materials, while Legoland reports drones to authorities if spotted.

“We’ve had no recent drone incidents, but our rules clearly ban drones in the park. Violations are reported to police,” said Legoland director Michael Ottesen.

Police urge visitors to check drone restrictions on droneregler.dk or dronezoner.eu before flying.