A drone has hit a commercial aircraft while landing at Jean Lesage International Airport in Québec City, Canada.

It was the first incident of a drone hitting a commercial aircraft in Canada.

Occurring on 12 October, the incident involved a plane operated by Skyjet Aviation and did not cause any injuries.

Local media reports said that six passengers and two crews were on board the plane during the time of the incident, reported Reuters.

“Anyone who violates the regulations could be subject to fines of up to C$25,000 ($20,027) and/or prison.”

Confirming the collision, Canada Transport Minister Marc Garneau said: “Although the vast majority of drone operators fly responsibly, it was our concern for incidents like this that prompted me to take action and issue interim safety measures restricting where recreational drones could be flown.

“I would like to remind drone operators that endangering the safety of an aircraft is extremely dangerous and a serious offence. Anyone who violates the regulations could be subject to fines of up to C$25,000 ($20,027) and/or prison.

“This applies to drones of any size, used for any purpose. All airports, helipads and seaplane bases are ‘No Drone Zones’ if you do not have permission from Transport Canada.”

The current Canadian regulation bans drones to fly within 5.5km of the country’s airports.

The country has so far received 1,596 reports of drone incidents this year, 131 of which are considered to have been related to aviation safety.