Hong Kong aviation authorities are investigating suspected illegal drone flying over Victoria Harbour during last week’s National Day fireworks display, after privately shot footage of the show went viral online.
The footage drew the attention of local internet users after a mainland visitor, who came to Hong Kong during the “golden week” holiday, posted clips of the 23-minute display on his social media account over the weekend.
The man, who calls himself Su Fan on RedNote, a popular platform among mainland Chinese users, described himself as a professional from Yunnan province.
When some users asked whether he had permission from the authorities to film the show with a drone in a no-fly zone, he replied: “No need to bother”.
Criticism has since flooded his account.
The clips appeared to have been removed and could no longer be found on his account by Monday afternoon.
Some users also accused authorities of lax law enforcement.
In response to a South China Morning Post inquiry, the Civil Aviation Department said on Monday that it was following up on the case in accordance with established procedures.
“Operations exceeding the operating requirements and/or operations within restricted flying zones are advanced operations and require prior permission from the Civil Aviation Department and/or the relevant authorities,” it said.
Offenders face a fine of up to HK$100,000 (US$12,742) and up to two years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
In 2025, police also caught a mainland visitor operating a drone without permission in a restricted zone at Edinburgh Place in Central during the National Day fireworks display. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
