Samoa Airport Authority Chief Executive Officer Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu has made claims that the Samoa Observer operated a drone within a restricted airport security area while capturing images related to the Prime Minister’s medical evacuation.

He made the claims on a social media podcast, trying to answer questions on how the newspaper captured images of Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt leaving on 15 April.

Tumanuvao said the drone had been visually mischaracterised in public discussion.

“It has been reported that the drone appears like a small bird. However, upon reviewing the image obtained, it is a very powerful drone, and the image quality is very clear,” he said.

He claimed the Samoa Observer photograph was taken inside a no-fly zone.

“The photograph published by the Samoa Observer was taken within a no-fly zone, specifically a security-restricted area of the airport,” Tumanuvao said.

Addressing the broader issue of drone activity, he stressed that such operations are tightly controlled, particularly around aviation infrastructure.

“There is concern regarding drones operating around restricted security areas, particularly as they are not permitted to fly at high altitudes in these zones. A drone is classified as a flying object with a limited permitted flying height, and therefore must comply with strict operational restrictions,” he said.

Tumanuvao emphasised that any drone entering a restricted airport security area is not authorised to operate, and highlighted licensing requirements enforced by the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI).

“Any drone entering a security-restricted area is not allowed to operate. Furthermore, no drone is permitted to fly without a licence issued by the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI), as they are the issuing authority for such licences,” he said.

He added that the issue has been elevated for national discussion, including within security governance structures.

“There has been ongoing discussion with the Ministry, as all flying objects are required to be licensed by MWTI. This matter has also been raised in meetings of the National Security Committee, chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of the Prime Minister’s Office,” Tumanuvao said.

He said the situation is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight and procedures rather than overhaul existing systems.

“This is one of the key issues currently under discussion, including drones and related devices, to strengthen and reinforce existing procedures and processes rather than changing direction,” he said.

He added that incidents of this nature serve as important learning opportunities.

“It is also noted that incidents such as these provide valuable opportunities to further strengthen and improve our systems moving forward,” he said.

The Samoa Airport Authority said the matter continues to be reviewed in coordination with relevant government agencies.