Drone Rules in Leeds — Bradford Airport FRZ & City Airspace (2026)

Leeds Bradford Airport Flight Restriction Zone

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is located approximately 16 kilometres north-west of Leeds city centre, near the village of Yeadon. The airport FRZ is defined by the CAA and consists of:

• Central zone: A cylinder with a 2.5 nautical mile radius centred on the aerodrome reference point, extending from the surface to 2,000 feet above ground level.
• Runway Protection Zones: Two rectangular zones extending 5 kilometres from the threshold of each runway and 1 kilometre either side of the centreline, up to 2,000 feet.

The FRZ is operational 24 hours a day, regardless of the airport operating hours. To request permission to fly within the FRZ, you must email the Air Traffic Control team at atc@lba.co.uk at least 48 hours before your intended flight. Your request must include the precise location, maximum operating height, date, and duration of the flight.

If you intend to fly outside the LBA FRZ, you do not need airport permission. However, the airport recommends contacting West Yorkshire Police on 101 to advise them of your flight details as a courtesy measure.

Flying in Leeds City Centre

Leeds city centre sits outside the Leeds Bradford Airport FRZ, which provides more flexibility than cities such as Manchester or Birmingham where the FRZ overlaps the urban core. However, you must still comply with all Open Category rules.

50-Metre Separation in Urban Areas

Drones weighing 250 grams or more must maintain a minimum horizontal distance of 50 metres from uninvolved persons. In busy areas such as Briggate, the Corn Exchange, and Leeds Dock, this can be very difficult to achieve during daytime hours.

Sub-250g and Classed Drones

Drones under 250 grams or those with C0 or C1 class marking may fly over uninvolved people in the A1 subcategory. You must still avoid flying over organised crowds or gatherings, and you remain subject to the 120-metre altitude ceiling.

CAA Registration for 2026

Every drone operator in Leeds must comply with the 2026 CAA registration requirements:

• Flyer ID: Required for drones of 100 grams or more. Free CAA online theory test covering the Drone Code, airspace, and safety.
• Operator ID: Required for drones of 250 grams or more, or 100 grams or more with a camera. Operator must be 18 or older. ID label must be attached to the drone.
• Remote ID: All drones must broadcast Remote ID in flight from the 2026 Key Date where the technology is supported.

Annual renewal is required through the CAA portal at register-drones.caa.co.uk.

Open Category Subcategories

All Open Category flights in Leeds follow the standard three-subcategory structure:

• A1 — Over People: Sub-250g or C0/C1 drones over uninvolved people (not crowds). Flyer ID required from 2026.
• A2 — Close to People: C2 class drones within 30 metres of people (5 metres in low-speed mode). Requires A2 Certificate of Competency.
• A3 — Far from People: All Open Category drones at least 150 metres from built-up areas. Flyer ID required from 2026.

Other Airspace Considerations in Yorkshire

Beyond the LBA FRZ, drone operators in the Leeds area should be aware of:

• RAF Church Fenton: Located south-east of Leeds, this military airfield has restricted airspace that affects parts of the Selby district.
• Sherburn-in-Elmet Airfield: A general aviation aerodrome east of Leeds with its own aerodrome traffic zone.
• Temporary Restrictions: Events at Elland Road, Headingley Stadium, and the First Direct Arena may trigger temporary NOTAMs restricting drone flights.

Where to Fly Safely Around Leeds

For compliant flying outside the FRZ, the eastern and southern outskirts of Leeds offer good options. Temple Newsam estate provides open ground well away from the airport restriction zone. The Yorkshire Dales to the north-west offer expansive rural areas, though you should check for military low-flying zones. Otley Chevin and the Wharfe Valley can work, but verify proximity to the LBA FRZ — some spots are closer than they appear on a standard map.

Always check the NATS Drone Safety Map and active NOTAMs before each flight.

Penalties

Unauthorised drone flying within the LBA FRZ is a criminal offence. Under the Air Navigation Order 2016 (as amended) and the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021:

• Flying in an FRZ without permission carries an unlimited fine
• Endangering an aircraft can result in up to five years in prison
• Fixed penalty notices of up to 2,500 GBP apply to registration and operational breaches