The Drones Bill will also extend the drone exclusion zone around airports from 1km to 5km.

Stop and search powers will apply to people suspected of using drones maliciously in the vicinity of airports and will also allow police to access data stored on a drone.

The Association of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (Arpas UK), the drone industry’s representative body, welcomed the revised no-fly zone but urged caution in respect of the stop and search proposals.

“Police will need to know exactly what the rules are and in exercising their powers do so in the right way,” said Rupert Dent, an Arpas UK committee member.

“We are keen it doesn’t prevent legitimate operators from operating drones in a legitimate fashion.”

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “The law is clear that flying a drone near an airport is a serious criminal act.

“We’re now going even further and extending the no-fly zone to help keep our airports secure and our skies safe.

“Anyone flying their drone within the vicinity of an airport should know they are not only acting irresponsibly, but criminally, and could face imprisonment.”