DJI to shut its Causeway Bay flagship store as Hong Kong tightens rules for flying recreational aerial drones

The world’s largest maker of recreational aerial drones is shutting the DJI flagship retail store in Hong Kong, weeks after city authorities tightened regulations for pilots to qualify them to fly the gadgets.

DJI’s three-storey store at Tower 535 in Causeway Bay, measuring 10,000 square feet (929 square metres), will be permanently closed from August 16, to reflect “the company’s and market’s evolving needs” according to a notice that has been posted at the store’s entrance since August 9, adding that customers can still buy DJI’s drones from its online store as well as authorised dealers.

“We thank all the customers who have shown great support to us throughout the past few years,” the Shenzhen-based company said. “DJI will remain committed to our customers and partners in the Hong Kong market and around the world as we continue to develop the industry’s most advanced drones and creative camera technology.”

The closure of the store, which opened to great fanfare in 2016, marks the biggest casualty of Hong Kong’s Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) Order, which places stringent requirements on drone pilots to undergo training before they can be licensed to fly their machines. Drones weighing between 250 grams and 7 kilograms have to be registered, and pilots must undertake short web-based training where they are instructed on the allowable flying altitude and maximum distance. Pilots who want to fly drones heavier than 7kg will require in-depth training and pass competency tests at their own cost.

Insurance would also be mandatory for drones that exceed 250 grams, with coverage ranging from HK$5 million (US$642,000) to HK$10 million for the largest machines weighing over 7kg.

The regulation takes effect in June 2022, with a six-month grace period to allow owners to familiarise themselves with the new rules.