Kite flying near airports banned within 5km radius: AASL warns

Colombo, July 18 (Daily Mirror) - Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd (AASL) has warned the public not to fly kites or any other objects above 300 feet near international airports, saying it is dangerous and illegal.

This rule applies to areas within 5 kilometres of all five international airports in Sri Lanka- Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), Colombo International Airport Ratmalana (CIAR), Batticaloa International Airport, and Jaffna International Airport (JIA).

AASL says flying kites near airports can be very risky. Kites can get pulled into aircraft engines or get stuck in propellers, which could make the engines stop working. This can cause serious danger to both the aircraft and people on the ground.

Since international flights take off and land at these airports every day, people living nearby are asked not to fly kites or release any flying objects above 300 feet. The public is also asked to teach children not to fly kites near airports.

AASL clearly mentioned that breaking this rule is a punishable offence and legal action will be taken against those who do not follow it.