ANYONE flying a drone around RAF Fairford during this year's Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) could face prosecution.

Organisers of the annual air show, which sees aircrafts from around the world visit Fairford for the weekend event, have issued a warning to those who fly drones or small unmanned aircraft systems. If they fly them around RAF FAirford between July 15 and July 20 they may be prosecuted.

This call has been made after a spate of recent incidents at airports and other airfields around the UK.

Article 161 of the Air Navigation Order grants the Air Tattoo restricted airspace between Wednesday, July 15 and Monday, July 20 to allow safe conduct of the event. Any violation of this would constitute a criminal act.

Air Tattoo chief executive Andy Armstrong said he was making the appeal to highlight to the owners of drones or small unmanned aircraft systems the serious consequences of operating them within restricted airspace.

"The use of these small flying machines to capture aerial video footage is becoming increasingly popular," he said.

"I wish to remind people that rules and regulations exist surrounding their operation and that, in the case of the Air Tattoo, none are permitted to be airborne at or around the airshow.

"My priority is to ensure we stage a safe event, for participants and public alike, and I advise anyone who sees ‘drone’ activity within the Air Tattoo airspace to report it to the police."