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WHAT IS U-SPACE?
U-space in short
- What it is: U-space is airspace designated by an EU member state where drone flights are managed through digital services, so many drones can fly safely at the same time, including beyond visual line of sight.
- Legal basis: Regulation (EU) 2021/664 sets the framework, and Regulations (EU) 2021/665 and 2021/666 adapt the rules for air traffic services and manned aircraft. They apply since 26 January 2023.
- Four mandatory services: network identification, geo-awareness, UAS flight authorisation and traffic information. Weather information and conformance monitoring can be added.
- What it means for operators: inside a U-space airspace you fly through a certified U-space service provider (USSP) and need a UAS flight authorisation for each flight, on top of your usual registration, pilot certificate and, where needed, operational authorisation.
U-Space is already a reality!
The guidelines, referred to as Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material (AMC/GM), were created through a collaboration led by EASA that involved over 30 experts and representatives from civil aviation authorities and industry. The development of the AMC/GM for the U-space regulatory framework took into account the latest advancements from the industry and U-space stakeholders, resulting in a comprehensive set of guidelines that address all aspects and actors of the U-space regulation. This will pave the way for a fair, efficient, safe, and secure implementation of U-space in Europe.
EASA’s Executive Director, Patrick Ky, highlighted the significance of this major EASA deliverable, stating that it would not have been possible without the active involvement of the European drone and aviation community. He also emphasised that the implementation of U-space airspace and services represents the first step towards the safe integration of manned and unmanned traffic in the airspace.
The formal implementation of the U-space regulatory framework took effect on January 26, 2023 with the entry into force of Regulations (EU) 2021/664, (EU) 2021/665, and (EU) 2021/666. In the near future, EASA will continue to support the implementation of U-space by certifying the first U-space airspace designations and U-space service providers. The agency will also contribute to the implementation by certifying third-party service providers intending to deliver services in Europe.
The experience gained by all the U-space stakeholders during the initial implementations will play a crucial role in further improving the first set of AMC/GM and refining the U-space regulatory framework according to the lessons learned from the first years of drone operations in the U-space. EASA is now looking forward to the next steps of the U-space implementation and the continued growth and advancement of the drone industry in Europe
Where is U-space running today?
Designating U-space airspace is up to each member state, and roll-out has been slow. The first fully certified U-space in the EU is San Salvo, on Italy’s Adriatic coast, operational since 1 January 2026. It covers about 307 km² up to 12 km from the centre, with ENAC as regulator, ENAV as air navigation service provider and D-Flight as U-space service provider. Its first months showed how much work it takes to onboard operators who are new to U-space.
Outside the EU, Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation plans to open a U-space in Zurich, inside the airport’s controlled airspace, by the end of 2026. Once it is live, using U-space services will be mandatory for every drone flight in that area. Germany and other member states are running U-space test areas and designation projects.
The standards behind U-space
The EU regulation says what U-space must do. International standards describe how the systems behind it are built and talk to each other. The ISO 23629 series on UAS traffic management (UTM), developed by ISO/TC 20/SC 16, is the main global reference:
| Standard | What it covers | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 23629-5:2023 | UTM functional structure: the core functions of a traffic management system for drones | A common vocabulary for what a USSP actually does |
| ISO 23629-7:2021 | Data model for spatial data shared between operators and the UTM system | Airspace volumes, zones and flight areas described the same way by every system |
| ISO 23629-8:2023 | Remote identification: minimum performance for direct remote ID | How a drone broadcasts its identity in flight, complementing the network identification service of U-space |
| ISO 23629-9:2023 | Interface between UTM service providers and their users | How an operator’s software exchanges data with a service provider |
| ISO 23629-12:2022 | Requirements for UTM service providers: compliance monitoring, safety, security and privacy | The organisational bar a provider must meet; a revision is under way |
In Europe, these sit alongside EASA’s Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material for U-space (ED Decision 2022/022/R) and the EUROCAE specifications for geographical zone data, ED-269 and ED-318, which define how zone and U-space data is published and exchanged.
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Frequently asked questions
What is U-space?
U-space is a portion of airspace, designated by an EU member state, where drone traffic is managed through digital services. It allows many drones to operate safely at the same time, including beyond visual line of sight and over urban areas.
What are the mandatory U-space services?
Four services are mandatory in every U-space airspace: network identification, geo-awareness, UAS flight authorisation and traffic information. Member states can also require weather information and conformance monitoring.
When did the U-space regulation start to apply?
The U-space framework, Regulation (EU) 2021/664 together with Regulations (EU) 2021/665 and 2021/666, applies since 26 January 2023.
Is U-space already operating anywhere in Europe?
Yes. The San Salvo U-space in Italy has been operational since 1 January 2026, with D-Flight as U-space service provider. Switzerland plans to open a U-space in Zurich by the end of 2026, and several EU member states are preparing their own designations.
Which standards apply to U-space?
The legal requirements come from Regulation (EU) 2021/664 and EASA’s AMC/GM. The technical side relies on standards such as the ISO 23629 series on UAS traffic management (functional structure, spatial data, remote identification, interfaces and requirements for service providers) and the EUROCAE ED-269 and ED-318 specifications for geographical zone data.
Do I need permission to fly in U-space airspace?
Yes. Inside a U-space airspace you must use a certified U-space service provider (USSP) and obtain a UAS flight authorisation for each flight. Your usual obligations still apply: operator registration, the right pilot certificate and, in the Specific category, an operational authorisation.
Who provides U-space services?
U-space service providers (USSPs) are organisations certified by the competent authority to deliver the U-space services to drone operators. Member states can also designate a single common information service provider that shares the data all actors need.
How do I know if I am flying in U-space or a restricted zone?
Check the national map of geographical zones before every flight. If you need to fly in U-space, controlled airspace or a restricted zone, our flight coordination service can handle the permissions for you.
2 Responses
Which U-space/UTM/UAM/IAM/eVTOL related F2F (or Remote) courses EUDronePort will have 2027?
With best regards
Lauri Kreen
Senior Inspector of U-space
Uncrewed Aviation Department
Aviation Division (ECAA)
Estonian Transport Administration
Valge 4/2 (A) -111A, 11413
Tallinn, ESTONIA (EE)
Cell: +372 5301 2498
lauri.kreen@transpordiamet.ee
http://www.transpordiamet.ee
Hi, and thank you for your interest.
At the moment we don’t have any U-space, UTM, UAM/IAM or eVTOL courses (face-to-face or remote) planned for 2027. That said, we are always working to improve and expand our training offer, so please keep an eye on our website for any future announcements.
Best regards.