Drone Rules Near Bristol Airport — Flight Restriction Zone Guide (2026)

Understanding Bristol Airport’s Flight Restriction Zone

Bristol Airport (ICAO code EGGD) is located on the Mendip plateau at Lulsgate Bottom in North Somerset, elevated at approximately 190 metres above sea level. It operates a single runway oriented roughly north-east to south-west (runway 09/27), with approach and departure paths extending over the rural villages and farmland of North Somerset.

The Flight Restriction Zone is a legally defined volume of airspace established under the Air Navigation Order 2016 (as amended). Within the FRZ, no drone may be flown at any altitude without prior permission — regardless of the drone’s size, weight, or the operator’s qualifications.

The airport’s elevated plateau position is a notable factor for drone pilots. Ground level at the airport is significantly higher than the surrounding lowlands. The 120 m altitude limit for drones is measured above ground level at the take-off point, not above the airport’s elevation.

The FRZ Explained: Inner and Outer Zones

Inner Zone

The inner zone is a circle centred on the aerodrome reference point with a radius of approximately 2.5 km. This covers the airport terminal, car parks, and the surrounding villages of Lulsgate Bottom and Felton.

Outer Zone

The outer zone extends along the runway centre line, covering approach and departure paths. It stretches approximately 5 km from each runway threshold. For Bristol, the south-western outer zone extends toward Wrington, Congresbury, and the edge of Cheddar, while the north-eastern outer zone reaches toward Barrow Gurney and Long Ashton.

Check the CAA Drone Safety Map for current FRZ boundaries. The map is available free online and through the NATS Drone Assist app. Do not estimate distances from the airport — the FRZ follows defined coordinates, not approximate circles.

Areas Affected by the FRZ

• Wrington: A village approximately 4 km south-west of the airport. Parts of Wrington and the surrounding farmland fall within the outer zone along the south-western approach path.
• Backwell: Located approximately 3 km north of the airport. Depending on the FRZ boundary, parts of Backwell may be affected. Check the CAA Drone Safety Map for current boundaries at this location.
• Congresbury: South-west of the airport along the approach path. The outer zone may extend over parts of this village.
• Felton and Lulsgate Bottom: Immediately adjacent to the airport. Entirely within the FRZ.
• Barrow Gurney: North-east of the airport, potentially within the outer zone along the departure path toward Bristol.

Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol City Centre

The Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the Avon Gorge, is one of the most photographed landmarks in the West of England and a popular subject for drone filming. It is located approximately 13 km north-east of Bristol Airport.

The bridge is outside the Bristol Airport FRZ. However, separate restrictions apply:

• Congested area: Clifton and the surrounding areas of Bristol qualify as a congested area under the ANO. Drones 250 g or more in the A3 sub-category must maintain at least 150 m from residential, commercial, or recreational areas.
• Bridge structure: The bridge is a Grade I listed structure managed by the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust. You should check whether the Trust has specific policies on drone activity near the bridge.
• Avon Gorge: The steep-sided gorge creates complex wind conditions including updrafts, downdrafts, and turbulence. The confined space between the cliff faces and above the tidal River Avon makes recovery from wind-related incidents difficult.
• Public presence: The bridge carries pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Visitors congregate at both viewing platforms. Maintaining 50 m separation from uninvolved persons requires careful planning.

Always verify your planned flight location against the FRZ on the CAA Drone Safety Map before flying, even at locations you believe to be well outside the airport boundary.

Flying Outside the FRZ Near Bristol

Outside the FRZ, standard Open Category rules apply under CAP 2320 (March 2026):

• Flyer ID: Required for all drones 100 g or more. Free CAA online theory test.
• Operator ID: Required for drones 250 g or more. £10.33 per year, marked on the drone.
• 120 m altitude ceiling: Maximum height above ground level.
• Visual line of sight: Drone must remain visible at all times.
• 50 m separation: Drones 250 g or more (A3) must stay at least 50 m from uninvolved persons.

Bristol’s controlled airspace extends beyond the FRZ at higher altitudes. The Mendip Hills to the south offer open landscapes for drone flying but check for any temporary restrictions associated with military activity from nearby ranges.

Obtaining Permission to Fly Within the FRZ

1. Contact Bristol Airport directly to request approval from air traffic control.
2. Submit full details including drone type, maximum take-off mass, planned flight profile, risk assessment, and CAA registration.
3. Allow adequate lead time. Submit requests at least 28 days in advance.
4. Hold appropriate qualifications. Operations outside Open Category require an Operational Authorisation from the CAA in addition to airport permission.

Approval is at the airport’s discretion and is not automatic. The rural setting means that some locations within the FRZ boundary may receive favourable consideration compared to equivalent requests at urban airports, but flights beneath approach or departure paths remain unlikely to be approved.

Penalties for Illegal Drone Flights Near Bristol Airport

Flying a drone within the FRZ without permission is a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order 2016 (as amended):

• Unlimited fine on summary conviction.
• Up to five years’ imprisonment on conviction on indictment.
• Drone seizure: Avon and Somerset Police have the power to seize your drone as evidence.
• Criminal record: A conviction creates a permanent criminal record.

Bristol Airport has invested in drone detection technology and works with Avon and Somerset Police on enforcement. The airport’s elevated position and open surroundings make drone detection relatively straightforward compared to more built-up airport sites.

Summary

Bristol Airport’s FRZ covers the area around Lulsgate Bottom, extending toward Wrington, Backwell, Congresbury, and Barrow Gurney. The Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol is outside the FRZ but has its own congested area and structural considerations. Before flying anywhere near the airport, check the CAA Drone Safety Map. If your location falls within the FRZ, you must obtain explicit permission before take-off. Flying without permission is a criminal offence carrying unlimited fines and up to five years’ imprisonment.