Taking photographs at airports : legal or illegal?

Ozzie1969 · Post by **Ozzie1969** » 03 Jan 2005, 21:12

Can anyone tell me what the situation is regarding the taking of photographs at airports (not just of aircraft, but also of the buildings and other installations)?

A friend has just informed me that he took a picture of an aircraft at Bromma Airport in Stockholm, and apparently security there was not very pleased. Is it illegal at Bromma, or did that security guard just have a bad hair day?

Rago · Post by **Rago** » 03 Jan 2005, 21:29

all depends on local laws. In Belgium >>> no problemo, just be careful when taking pictures of military installations, but normally there's a sign that indicates "no pictures". About spotting around airfields, just respect all regulations and there's no problem.

SN30952 · Post by **SN30952** » 03 Jan 2005, 22:35

Notice you cannot make pictures in private locations.
And you will see some private enterprises forbidding to take pictures on their premises.

But what is not specifically forbidden is allowed: when the poster says no pictures, you better shoot a movieclip.
As for every law the rules have to be specific. And a security guard destroying your property will have to pay for the damage. Even the police, because their duty is to protect the people AND their property on the national territory. Sue them as they would sue you. Or better do it to them, before they do it to you...

It is also forbidden to smoke in public places.
It's a matter of law enforcement.

Advisor · Post by **Advisor** » 05 Jan 2005, 09:28

In India you just had the ban lifted. But you have to be a bonafide passenger to click photographs.

And yes, you cannot click any pictures of any military installation or pictures at any defense airports like Pune, Goa.

DC7-C · Post by **DC7-C** » 05 Jan 2005, 10:59

I've heard that in North Korea not only photographing is illegal, but also from the moment of take-off/approach in the departure/arrival city in North Korea, the windows are shut.

website-info · Post by **website-info** » 05 Jan 2005, 11:18

Hi All,

In th eformer Eastern Europe as well as South Africa(military aircraft), it's fine to take pics of aircraft, but it's not allowed to have buildings in the background. I have had lots of interesting discussions with security personel in South Africa about this, but usually they end up moving the aircraft ontoa ramp with no buildings around it - NOW IF ONLY EVERYONE COULD BE THAT HELPFUL

Rgds
Tony

waldova · Post by **waldova** » 05 Jan 2005, 11:57

Wauw, they just moved the aircraft for you!! Amazing, I wish everybody would be like this! This would not be possible i.n Belgium

AN124 · Post by **AN124** » 05 Jan 2005, 12:58

Just respect the local laws and if a security guard asks you what you are doing, explain him the situation and most of the time you won't see that much problems when taking pictures of Civil Aircraft.

Military aircraft is a other story. Be carefull and inform yourserf carefully about the exeact rules and laws before taking a picture.

Best Regards,
Yvo

BA028_Is_Diesel_Powered · Post by **BA028_Is_Diesel_Powered** » 09 Jan 2005, 15:34

I am still thinking if taking pictures in DUB/EIDW is illegal or not. Most people I know taking pictures in DUB/EIDW say its legal. The last time I was about to take pictures across the road from Rwy 10 in DUB/EIDW. I setup my tripod and camera for taking final approach pics. After I just setup the tripod and camera the Airport Police speeded over. While they are still inside the boundary fence. I threw all my stuff into the car and speeded off while they came out. I usually take pictures beside the taxiway parallel to Rwy 10&28 or at the start or runway 16 and 28. William Ronciare (aviation photographer @ DUB/EIDW) told me that there might be a possibility of radio interferance when parking a car under a approaching a/c. I will start taking aviation pics again from May- September when the weather get better.
Now I know it might be illegal to take pics at some places.

Buzz · Post by **Buzz** » 09 Jan 2005, 18:21

BA028_Is_Diesel_Powered wrote:While they are still inside the boundary fence. I threw all my stuff into the car and speeded off while they came out.

Not very smart, because now you looked even more sospicious...
You could try just asking them if you can or cannot take photo's?

Rago · Post by **Rago** » 12 Jan 2005, 16:33

Just go to airport-security and ask, maybe you'll have a nice surprise, or you'll end up into jail

Advisor · Post by **Advisor** » 13 Jan 2005, 08:30

The Government Of India has relaxed rules for photography at all Indian Civilian Airports and now photography is permitted only for bonafide ticket holders or passengers.