Drone No-Fly Zones Compared: UK and Beyond

Why No-Fly Zones Exist

No-fly zones protect manned aircraft, people on the ground, sensitive infrastructure, and national security. For drone pilots, understanding where you cannot fly — and where you need prior authorisation — is fundamental to safe and legal operations. Each country defines and publishes its restricted zones differently, which creates complexity for pilots who operate internationally.

This comparison covers the main approaches as of May 2026. Restricted zones change frequently, so always verify with official airspace information services before every flight.

United Kingdom

The UK defines several types of restricted airspace for drones:

• Flight Restriction Zones (FRZs): Every aerodrome in the UK has an FRZ. The shape and size depend on the type of aerodrome, but the standard FRZ for major airports extends several kilometres from the runway. Flying within an FRZ without permission is a criminal offence.
• Restricted airspace (permanent and temporary): Areas around government buildings, military sites, prisons, and royal residences are restricted. Temporary restrictions are also issued for events, emergencies, and VIP movements (NOTAMs).
• Altitude limit: The general altitude limit for drones in the Open category is 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.

The CAA publishes an interactive drone map and recommends using approved airspace apps to check restrictions before each flight.

European Union (EASA)

Under EASA regulations, each member state is required to publish UAS geographical zones that define where drone operations are restricted, limited, or facilitated. The approach varies by country:

• France: Geoportail publishes detailed UAS restriction maps. Flying near aerodromes requires authorisation through the AlphaT system.
• Germany: The DFS (Deutsche Flugsicherung) publishes restricted zones. Flying within 1.5 kilometres of airport boundaries is prohibited without authorisation.
• Netherlands: The government publishes a drone map showing no-fly zones, restricted zones, and areas requiring additional permissions.
• Sweden: Drone restrictions near airports and sensitive sites are published by the Swedish Transport Agency.

The 120-metre altitude ceiling applies across the EU Open category, consistent with the UK.

United States

The FAA manages drone airspace restrictions through several mechanisms:

• Controlled airspace: Classes B, C, D, and E surface require authorisation before drone operations. The LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) system provides near-real-time automated authorisation in many areas.
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs): Issued for emergencies, VIP movements, sporting events, and other temporary situations.
• National security areas and prohibited zones: Permanent no-fly zones around locations like the White House, Capitol building, and military installations.
• Altitude limit: 400 feet (approximately 122 metres) above ground level for Part 107 operations.

Australia

CASA restricts drone flights in the following areas:

• Controlled aerodromes: Drones must not fly within 5.5 kilometres of a controlled aerodrome without authorisation.
• Restricted areas: Military and sensitive sites are designated as restricted airspace.
• Population centres: Additional rules apply when flying over populated areas.
• Altitude limit: 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.

Canada

Transport Canada defines drone restrictions based on airspace classes:

• Controlled airspace: Operations in controlled airspace require an RPAS Flight Authorisation from NAV CANADA.
• Near aerodromes: Specific distance restrictions apply near airports and heliports.
• National parks: Flying drones in national parks is prohibited without a permit from Parks Canada.
• Altitude limit: 122 metres (400 feet) above ground level.

New Zealand

The New Zealand CAA restricts drone flights near aerodromes (4 kilometres without authorisation) and in restricted or danger areas. The altitude limit is 120 metres. Airshare provides an interactive map for checking restrictions before flight.

Common Ground and Key Differences

• Altitude: The 120-metre (400-foot) ceiling is nearly universal across these jurisdictions.
• Airport proximity: Every country restricts flight near aerodromes, but the specific distances and zone shapes vary.
• Authorisation systems: The UK, EU, and USA are all developing or operating digital authorisation systems (CAA apps, UAS geographical zones, LAANC), but maturity levels differ.
• Temporary restrictions: All countries issue temporary flight restrictions, but the notification systems and lead times vary.