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How to Fly Drones in Italy: Geographic Zones and Key Procedures

In short: to fly a drone in Italy, check the D-Flight map for geographical zones before every flight, hold your EU operator registration and the right pilot certificate, and request authorisation or coordination for any flight in a restricted zone or controlled airspace. Allow several weeks for permissions.

Although all EASA Member States must comply with the European regulation governing unmanned aircraft operations, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 establishes that geographical zones must be defined by each individual country. This means that each Member State determines its own airspace restrictions.

These restrictions may be imposed for safety, privacy, environmental protection, or other reasons. The most common include:

  • Controlled airspace, especially near airports.

  • Protected natural areas.

  • Military zones.

  • Urban environments.

The national authorities may establish specific operating conditions in these areas, such as the requirement for prior authorisation, special coordination procedures, time constraints, or even complete flight bans. This article explains how to identify such zones and plan drone operations in Italy.

The Key Tool: D-Flight

To check flight restrictions in Italy, the national authority has developed D-Flight, an interactive map that displays the applicable limitations for a given location.

Before conducting any operation, make sure you comply with the following:

  • Proper documentation: The operator must be registered and hold a valid registration. If the operation falls under the specific category, the operational declarations must be submitted or a formal authorisation obtained. The remote pilot must hold the appropriate certificates.

  • UAS class label: The drone must have the class identification corresponding to the intended category of operation. For example, when using the European Standard Scenario STS-01, the drone must have a C5 class label.

  • Processing times: Authorisation or coordination requests may take several working days, depending on the competent authority. We recommend planning at least six weeks in advance, particularly if this is your first time operating in Italy.

Other Important Considerations

If you are flying in Italy for the first time, be aware of additional administrative requirements that may complicate the process:

  • You must be registered on the D-Flight platform.

  • You need a certified email address (PEC).

  • You must be authenticated on ENAC’s payment portal, in case administrative fees apply.

Moreover, Italy imposes specific restrictions. For instance, operations in controlled airspace often require the use of the specific category.

Need Assistance?

If you’re planning a drone operation in Italy, our team can support you through the entire process: from document validation to obtaining permissions and authorisations.

Contact us for more information and ensure the success of your mission.
167C96A0-E3C4-4CD3-95F9-A22F87114D01 Permits and Authorisations

Operators

Flying a job in Italy?

We check the D-Flight zones for your site, prepare the paperwork and coordinate the permissions with the Italian authorities, so you arrive with everything in order.

Drone flight coordinationOperational authorisation

Pilots

Need your EU pilot certificate first?

EU certificates are valid in Italy and in 30 other countries. Our courses are online and asynchronous, from an Official Designated Training Entity.

A1/A3 courseSTS course

Frequently asked questions

D-Flight is the Italian national platform for drones. Its interactive map shows the UAS geographical zones and the restrictions that apply at any location in Italy, so you can check where and under which conditions you may fly.

It depends on where and how you fly. Outside restricted zones, an Open category flight needs your operator registration and the right pilot certificate. Flights in restricted zones or controlled airspace need prior authorisation or coordination, and Specific category operations need a declaration or an operational authorisation.

Yes. EU operator registrations and pilot certificates are recognised in Italy, as in the other 30 EASA countries. You still have to follow the Italian geographical zones and national requirements.

Authorisation or coordination requests can take several working days depending on the authority. If it is your first operation in Italy, plan at least six weeks ahead. Our flight coordination service can manage the process for you.

For some administrative procedures in Italy you need a certified email address (PEC), together with registration on D-Flight and access to the payment portal when fees apply. Check this before your first operation.

4 Responses

  1. Dear Lars, our Flight Dispatching team can help you arrange the necessary permits so that you can continue to operate during your holiday. You can contact them by email at: ops@eudroneport.com
    Thank you.

  2. Hi there.

    Vacationing in Italy in august.

    Going by car.
    I would like to use my DJI Mini4 in the Alps and in the Appenines.

    What do I need to do that?

    Got A1 and A3 certificate

  4. I will be hiking the Alta Via 1 form July 16 – July 27.
    Is it possible to get a drone permit for a DJI Mini 4 (less than 250 grams)?
    Thank you,
    Nathan

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Certification requirements for C1 Drones