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Flying Your Drone in Europe: Why National Authorities Matter​

While EU drone regulations harmonise safety standards across Europe, each country implements them locally through its National Aviation Authority (NAA).

These authorities manage operator registration, remote pilot training, operational authorisations, and national airspace restrictions.

If you fly commercially or recreationally across Europe, knowing the correct national contact and portal is essential to stay compliant.

National Aviation Authorities

Below you’ll find links to all national aviation authorities within the EASA framework. Each portal provides local guidance on registration, training, and operational authorisations.

 

CountryAuthority / Portal
🇪🇸 SpainAgencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA)
🇮🇹 ItalyEnte Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile (ENAC)
🇫🇷 FranceDirection Générale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC)
🇦🇹 AustriaAustro Control
🇧🇪 BelgiumBelgian Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA)
🇧🇬 BulgariaCivil Aviation Administration Bulgaria
🇭🇷 CroatiaCroatian Civil Aviation Agency (CCAA)
🇨🇾 CyprusDepartment of Civil Aviation
🇨🇿 CzechiaCivil Aviation Authority Czech Republic
🇩🇰 DenmarkDanish Transport, Construction and Housing Authority
🇪🇪 EstoniaEstonian Transport Administration
🇫🇮 FinlandTraficom – Finnish Transport and Communications Agency
🇩🇪 GermanyLuftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA)
🇬🇷 GreeceHellenic Civil Aviation Authority
🇭🇺 HungaryHungarian Civil Aviation Authority
🇮🇸 IcelandIcelandic Transport Authority
🇮🇪 IrelandIrish Aviation Authority (IAA)
🇱🇻 LatviaCivil Aviation Agency of Latvia
🇱🇮 LiechtensteinOffice of Civil Aviation Liechtenstein
🇱🇹 LithuaniaTransport Competence Agency
🇱🇺 LuxembourgDirection de l’Aviation Civile
🇲🇹 MaltaTransport Malta – Civil Aviation Directorate
🇳🇱 NetherlandsHuman Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT)
🇳🇴 NorwayCivil Aviation Authority Norway (Luftfartstilsynet)
🇵🇱 PolandCivil Aviation Authority Poland (ULC)
🇵🇹 PortugalAutoridade Nacional da Aviação Civil (ANAC)
🇷🇴 RomaniaRomanian Civil Aeronautical Authority (AACR)
🇸🇰 SlovakiaTransport Authority Slovakia
🇸🇮 SloveniaCivil Aviation Agency of the Republic of Slovenia
🇸🇪 SwedenSwedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen)
🇨🇭 SwitzerlandFederal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA)

How to Use This Information

  • Check your operational category (Open, Specific, or Certified).

  • Register your operator ID in your country of residence.

  • Always review national airspace maps and restrictions before flight.

  • If operating cross-border, ensure your authorisations are recognised by the destination country.

Need Help Flying Across Europe?

EU Drone Port supports companies and professional operators with:

  • Cross-border drone authorisations (PDRA-01, PDRA-06, BVLOS).

  • Training and certification in multiple EU languages.

  • Regulatory consulting and permit management across all Member States.
 
Contact our regulatory team for tailored advice before your next operation in Europe.

Conclusion

Europe offers one of the most harmonised drone regulatory frameworks worldwide, but national implementation still matters. Whether you fly in Spain, Italy, France or beyond, staying informed about each country’s requirements ensures safety, compliance and professional reliability.

For professional guidance, certifications and cross-border permit support, contact EU Drone Port — your European partner for safe and legal UAS operations.

No. Drone operator registration under the EASA framework is valid across all Member States. However, you must register in your country of residence and carry your operator ID when flying abroad.

Yes. Pilot qualifications obtained under the EU regulations (Open or Specific category) are recognised throughout the EASA Member States, provided they meet the minimum requirements.

Check the local NAA website for airspace maps, national restrictions, and any additional reporting or coordination requirements. Some countries require prior notification for commercial operations.

Yes. BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations require authorisation under the Specific category, typically following a PDRA template (e.g. PDRA-01 or PDRA-06). Some NAAs may impose additional safety measures.

Usually yes, if your insurance policy covers EU-wide operations. Always confirm with your provider that your coverage includes the countries where you intend to operate.

Each NAA publishes national airspace maps—commonly integrated into drone apps or official websites (e.g. Géoportail in France, ENAIRE Drones in Spain, D-Flight in Italy).

Night operations and flights over people are permitted only under specific conditions and authorisations, depending on the country and operational category.

Local police and aviation authorities enforce drone regulations. Penalties for non-compliance vary but may include fines or operational bans.

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