Drones and laser strikes big problem at Kelowna airport: RCMP

The number of dangerous aircraft laser strikes and drone incursions into the airspace around the Kelowna airport is a growing safety concern.

Last year, NAV Canada air traffic controllers at the airport reported 21 aircraft laser strikes. Five drones, or remotely piloted aircraft systems, also violated the controlled airspace around the airport in 2025.

The ongoing risk has prompted RCMP to send out a reminder about now dangerous those activities are and what will happen if someone is caught.

“(The) misuse of lasers or drones near aircraft puts lives at risk,” Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang said in a media release issued today, April 22.

High-power lasers, one milliwatt or greater, can be purchased online and often look like pens or flashlights, but are a lot more powerful than lasers used as pointers in a classroom.

“Laser strikes distract pilots, create intense glare that interferes with vision, or temporarily blinds flight crews during critical phases of flight,” the release said.

Drones flying near the airport are a risk to aircraft taking off and landing as they can distract pilots and can “cause cause catastrophic engine damage if ingested into an aircraft engine,” RCMP said.

There are penalties of up to $5,000 for pointing a high-powered laser into an airport’s airspace or flying a drone near an airport under the Canadian Aviation Regulations and the Aeronautics Act. Criminal charges may also be considered.

“We encourage anyone who observes suspicious laser use or drones being flown near an airport or in a dangerous manner to contact police immediately.” Cpl. Lang said.

For more information about safely and legally flying drones, go here.