PSP requests air space interdiction to limit drones in Rossio

A PSP requested the ban on the airspace of the demonstration zone and the Lisbon camp on Saturday to prevent indiscriminate use of drones, safeguarding those of the media, clarified the PSP.

In a note sent to Lusa, the Public Security Police (PSP) justified that “the request submitted by the PSP to the National Aeronautics Authority falls exclusively within the security needs associated with the police operation, with the main objective of ensuring the coordination of unmanned aircraft flights (drones) in the area concerned, preventing any incidents resulting from their simultaneous and non-coordinated use”.

The police request went to the area covered by the “security operation to be carried out on 31 October 2026”, in Lisbon, a day for which the spokespersons of the camp marked a new demonstration between Largo Luis de Camões and Rossio, followed by concentration in this square.

The police also added that “it was never PSP’s intention to limit or prevent the exercise of media activity, in particular with regard to the use of drones for the purpose of journalistic coverage of the event.”.

In this sense, “the duly authorised flights”, such as those requested by the media for monitoring and registration of the initiative, can be carried out through the necessary coordination and coordination with the competent authorities in order to ensure the safety of all actors,” he added.

In the note, the police also stated that “it has already made the necessary clarifications to the National Aeronautics Authority, reinforcing that the purpose of this measure is to ensure coordinated and controlled use of airspace, avoiding indiscriminate use of such equipment by other operators”.

According to the police, “this measure is aimed exclusively at safeguarding the security conditions of the police operation, not questioning the right to information or the normal exercise of media activity”.