Drones are becoming very popular vehicles for aerial photography, and so some passengers want to bring their drones to Bonaire for their vacation.  However, you may wish to think twice before you pack it in your suitcase.

RPAS – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (Drones)

This news provides information about the use of drones for either recreational or professional purposes in The Netherlands, which includes the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.

The airspace above the BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba) is prohibited airspace or controlled airspace (control zone ⇒ CTR or aerodrome traffic zone ⇒ ATZ). It is not allowed to fly here with aircraft, including remotely piloted aircraft or model aircraft, without the permission of ATC or AFIS.  At this moment, ATC and AFIS are not able to grant any permits. So please, leave your drone at home or keep it safely stored in your suitcase during your stay.  Enjoy Bonaire the old-fashioned way, on the ground!

More detailed information about our airspace:

The Flamingo CTR at Bonaire is visible on the map. It is the large area with the mark 25 NM TNCB ARP. The area TNP-1 and TNP-2 are prohibited for all aircraft. The space between these two areas is only available for manned aircraft with a clearance of ATC.

List of Abbreviations:

ACAS	Airborne Collision Avoidance System
AFIS	Aerodrome Flight Information System
AGL	Above Ground Level
ARP	Aerodrome Reference Point
ATC	Air Traffic Control
ATZ	Aerodrome Traffic Zone
BES	Islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba
CAA-NL	Civil Aviation Authority The Netherlands
CTR	Control Zone
EVLOS	Extended VLOS
FIR	Flight Information Region
FPV	First Person View
ICAO	International Civil Aviation Organization
NM	Nautical Miles
RPA pilot	Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilot working for an RPAS operator
RPAS	Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
TNCB	The Nature Conservancy Bonaire
VFR	Visual Flight Rules
VLOS	Visual Line of Sight

(Source:  Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport)