Lima '25: Drone ban imposed for safety as Langkawi prepares for airshow
LANGKAWI: The use of drones without prior approval is strictly prohibited in and around the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25), which runs from today until May 24.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said that this restriction was essential to ensure the safety of the event's preparations and its smooth execution.
"CAAM strongly advises the public not to operate drones during Lima '25 in Langkawi," it said in a statement today.
The ban covers two periods: from May 14 to 19, during airshow rehearsals in the Alor Star area, and from May 20 to 24, when the official Lima '25 airshow takes place in Langkawi.
The restriction aims to prevent any potential incidents, particularly those that could jeopardise the safety and security of the public and various aircraft.
"Any aerial activity, including drone operations, that poses a threat to public safety or property will be subject to Section 4 of the Civil Aviation Act 1969 (Act 3)," the statement said.
"Such activities also breach Regulation 98 and Regulations 140–144 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016, as well as Civil Aviation Directives (CADs)."
Meanwhile, activity has intensified at Langkawi International Airport in Padang Matsirat, as transport aircraft and aerobatic team jets began arriving in stages from noon today.
A check revealed the continuous landing of Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) assets in preparation for the airshow segment of Lima '25, which officially begins on Tuesday.
Among the arrivals was the Sukhoi SU-30MKM, decorated in Jalur Gemilang livery and nicknamed 'Toruk Makto'. The aircraft, which had been conducting training at the Kepala Batas RMAF Air Base in Alor Star, touched down at the airport at around 2pm.
Six KT-1B Woong Bee aircraft from Indonesia's Jupiters aerobatic team were also spotted, along with the RMAF's F/A-18D Hornet, affectionately known among defence enthusiasts as 'Pikachu'.
An RMAF C-130 Hercules was seen landing and subsequently taking off again, believed to be transporting personnel and equipment in support of the Lima '25 defence showcase.
This year's Lima, the region's premier maritime and aerospace exhibition, will take place from May 20 to 24, with the aerospace segment hosted at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) and the maritime segment at Resorts World Langkawi.
This edition of Lima is jointly organised by the Defence Ministry and Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC), under the theme 'Today's Innovation, Tomorrow's Progress'.
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