Free EU airspace guide
Can I fly my drone here? The checks before every flight
Whether you can fly depends on your drone and category, the airspace zone at your exact location, and any temporary restriction that day. Each of the 31 countries publishes its UAS geographical zones on an official map. This guide shows you how to read them and what to do when a zone needs permission. We obtain the drone flight permits your operation needs in any of the 31 EASA countries.
Airspace essentials
Answer these before every take-off
Get any of them wrong and you may be flying illegally, even where the area looks open.
| Zone | What it means | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Open area | Standard open category rules apply | Operator registration and a pilot certificate where required |
| Controlled airspace (CTR) | Airspace around airports | Authorisation from air traffic control or the U-space service provider |
| Restricted zone | Flight only under conditions set by the zone authority | Permission from the zone authority |
| Prohibited zone | Flight not allowed | Only with a specific exemption from the responsible authority |
| Temporary restriction | Short-term closure published by NOTAM | Check on the day; usually no flight |
UAS geographical zones are defined by each country under Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
1. What category is your drone?
The drone class (C0 to C6) or legacy weight decides your open category subcategory and certificate. Operations beyond open category limits need an STS declaration or an authorisation.
2. What zone are you in?
Check the official national map for your exact coordinates, not just the town. Zones can be a few hundred metres across.
3. Do you have the right certificate?
Open category flights need operator registration and, for most drones, an A1/A3 or A2 certificate. Specific category flights need a declaration or an authorisation.
4. Is there a NOTAM today?
Temporary restrictions can close airspace with little notice. Check the national NOTAM service on the day of the flight.
Protected areas
National parks, nature reserves and heritage sites often need a separate permit from the land or environmental authority, even when the airspace is open.
Official maps by country
Spain: ENAIRE Drones. Germany: DIPUL. France: Géoportail. Italy: D-Flight. The guide lists the official map for every country.
Apps are not the whole story
Drone apps are a good start but can lag behind NOTAMs and local permits. Confirm on the official national map and NOTAM service, and check land-owner and environmental rules separately.
What you’ll get
The free EU airspace guide
- The questions that decide whether you can fly
- How UAS geographical zones work
- The official drone map for each country
- How to get permission in controlled and restricted zones
- Protected areas and local permits
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The checks, the zone types and the official drone map for every country.
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More free guides
More free guides to fly legally
FAQ
Questions about where you can fly
How do I know if I can fly my drone in a specific place?
Check your national official drone map for the exact coordinates, check NOTAMs for the day, and confirm your drone and certificate fit the category you will fly in. If the location is in a zone that needs permission, request it before the flight.
What are UAS geographical zones?
Areas defined by each country under Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947 where drone flights are prohibited, restricted or allowed only under conditions. Each country publishes them on its official map.
Can I fly near an airport?
Only with authorisation. Controlled airspace around airports requires permission from air traffic control or the U-space service provider, and areas close to runways are often closed to drones.
Do I need permission to fly in a national park?
Often yes. Many parks and nature reserves restrict drones or require a permit from the park or environmental authority, separate from the airspace rules.
What is a NOTAM?
A notice that announces temporary changes to airspace, such as events, emergency operations or exercises. A NOTAM can close an area that is normally open, so check it on the day you fly.
Can EU Drone Port get permission for me?
Yes. Our flight coordination service handles permissions in controlled and restricted zones across 31 countries, from €95 + VAT per flight.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and national aeronautical publications.
Know before you fly. Free EU airspace guide.
The checks, the zone types and the official map for every country.
31
Countries covered
5,000+
Flights coordinated per month
€95 + VAT
Per coordinated flight
120 m
Open category height limit