Drone Flying Rules in Sunderland — Coastline & Newcastle Airport FRZ (2026)

Newcastle Airport FRZ and Sunderland

Newcastle International Airport is located approximately 12 km north-west of Sunderland city centre. The airport FRZ consists of a 2.5 nautical mile radius around the aerodrome, plus Runway Protection Zones extending 5 km from each runway threshold, all extending from the surface up to 2,000 feet.

The FRZ is active 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Flying any drone within this zone without prior permission from Newcastle Airport ATC is a criminal offence.

While most of central and southern Sunderland falls outside the FRZ, the northern suburbs towards Washington, Boldon and parts along the A19 corridor may sit within or close to the boundary. The Runway Protection Zones may extend towards the Sunderland area depending on the runway orientation. Always verify your exact location against the CAA drone map or NATS Drone Assist app.

How to Request Newcastle Airport FRZ Permission

If your planned flying location falls within the Newcastle Airport FRZ:

• Submit a request by completing the appropriate form available on the Newcastle Airport website
• Provide at least 24 hours notice before your planned flight
• Include your location, maximum operating height, date and duration
• You must hold a valid Flyer ID and Operator ID

Permission is granted at the discretion of Air Traffic Control. It is never automatic.

Coastline Flying: Roker, Seaburn and South Shields

Sunderland's coastline from Roker Pier south through Seaburn Beach is a popular area for drone photography and videography. The coastline generally falls outside the Newcastle Airport FRZ, making it more accessible than many comparable locations.

When flying along the coast, observe the following:

• Beaches are managed by Sunderland City Council. During peak summer months, Roker and Seaburn can attract large numbers of visitors. Under A1 subcategory rules, you must not fly over assemblies of people
• The Crown Estate manages foreshore areas. Check The Crown Estate's interactive map to confirm whether your specific beach location permits drone flying. Some coastal areas may be managed by other organisations
• Roker Pier and the surrounding harbour area can be busy with walkers. Maintain safe distances from uninvolved persons at all times
• Cliff edges along the Durham Heritage Coast south of Sunderland require careful attention to wind conditions and maintaining visual line of sight
• Wildlife may be present along the coast, including nesting seabirds during spring and summer. Avoid disturbing wildlife with your drone

Sunderland City Centre and River Wear

The city centre and the River Wear corridor present typical urban drone flying challenges:

• The Stadium of Light (Sunderland AFC) may have temporary flight restrictions during match days and major events
• The Wearmouth Bridge and surrounding riverside areas attract pedestrians, particularly on weekends
• The University of Sunderland campus areas can be busy during term time
• In the A3 subcategory, maintain at least 150 metres from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas

Suitable Flying Locations Around Sunderland

For A3 subcategory flying away from people and built-up areas, consider:

• The Durham countryside south of the city, towards Seaham and Easington, offers open farmland and coastal views (with landowner permission)
• Herrington Country Park and Penshaw Hill offer elevated positions, though check visitor numbers as these sites can be popular
• Agricultural land west of the city towards Chester-le-Street, ensuring you are outside the Newcastle Airport FRZ and any Sunderland Airfield restrictions

Registration and ID Requirements (2026)

Under CAA regulations effective from January 2026:

• Flyer ID: Required for all drones weighing 100g or more. Obtained by passing the free CAA online theory test
• Operator ID: Required for drones weighing 250g or more, or 100g or more if equipped with a camera. Annual registration fee applies
• Remote ID: All UK class-marked drones must broadcast Remote ID information during flight
• Night flying: Any drone flown at night must display a green flashing light visible from all directions

General Flying Rules

All Open Category flights in the Sunderland area must comply with these rules:

• Maximum altitude of 120 metres above the closest point of the earth's surface
• Maintain visual line of sight at all times
• Give way to all crewed aircraft — this is particularly important near the coast, where helicopters and light aircraft may operate at low level
• Do not carry dangerous goods or drop objects
• Do not fly over or within 150 metres of an organised open-air assembly of more than 1,000 people

Penalties

Breaking UK drone regulations carries serious consequences:

• Flying within the FRZ without permission: up to 5 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine
• Flying without registration: fixed penalty of up to 1,000 GBP
• Endangering an aircraft: up to 5 years imprisonment
• Reckless or negligent flying: up to 2,500 GBP fine