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

Understanding Edinburgh Airport’s Flight Restriction Zone

Edinburgh Airport (ICAO code EGPH) is Scotland’s busiest airport, located approximately 13 km west of Edinburgh city centre near the town of Ingliston. It operates a single runway oriented roughly east–west (runway 06/24), with approach and departure paths extending over the Firth of Forth to the north-east and across farmland to the south-west.

The Flight Restriction Zone is a legally defined volume of airspace established under the Air Navigation Order 2016 (as amended). It protects manned aircraft during take-off, approach, and landing. 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 FRZ Explained: Inner and Outer Zones

Inner Zone

The inner zone is a circle centred on the airport’s aerodrome reference point. For aerodromes with a runway of 1,110 metres or more — which includes Edinburgh — this inner circle has a radius of approximately 2.5 km. This covers the airport terminal, cargo areas, and the surrounding land at Ingliston, including the Royal Highland Showground.

Outer Zone

The outer zone extends along the runway centre line, covering approach and departure flight paths. It stretches approximately 5 km from each runway threshold and fans outward. For Edinburgh, the south-western outer zone reaches toward Ratho and Kirknewton, while the north-eastern outer zone extends over the Firth of Forth toward South Queensferry and Cramond.

The exact FRZ boundaries are defined by coordinates published in aviation charts and displayed on the CAA Drone Safety Map. You must not estimate distances — always verify using the official map or the NATS Drone Assist app.

Areas Affected by the FRZ

• Ingliston and Newbridge: Immediately surrounding the airport. Entirely within the FRZ.
• Ratho: A village to the south-west, within the outer zone along the runway approach path. The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho Quarry falls within this area.
• South Queensferry: Located on the Firth of Forth, parts of South Queensferry and the Forth Bridges area may fall within the north-eastern outer zone. Check the CAA Drone Safety Map for current FRZ boundaries at this location, as the Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, and Queensferry Crossing are popular filming subjects.
• Kirknewton: A village to the south-west that falls within the outer zone along the departure path.
• Cramond: A coastal area on the Firth of Forth that may sit near the north-eastern FRZ boundary. Verify before flying.

Edinburgh City Centre: Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood

Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park, Calton Hill, and the Old Town are popular drone photography locations. These sites are located approximately 13 km east of the airport and fall outside the Edinburgh Airport FRZ. However, separate restrictions apply:

• Holyrood Park is managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Drone flying is not permitted without prior written permission from HES.
• Edinburgh Castle is a Historic Environment Scotland property with its own restrictions on drone use.
• Congested areas: Much of central Edinburgh qualifies as a congested area under the ANO, meaning drones 250 g or more must maintain at least 150 m horizontal distance from residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas in the A3 sub-category.

Being outside the airport FRZ does not mean flying is unrestricted. Always check for local byelaws, historic site restrictions, and congested area rules separately.

Flying Outside the FRZ Near Edinburgh

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.

Edinburgh’s Class D controlled airspace extends well beyond the FRZ at higher altitudes. The 120 m drone ceiling keeps you below this in most locations, but temporary restrictions may apply during major events such as the Edinburgh Festival, Hogmanay celebrations, or Royal visits to Holyrood Palace.

Obtaining Permission to Fly Within the FRZ

Permission to fly within the Edinburgh Airport FRZ is possible but requires advance planning:

1. Contact Edinburgh 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. Commercial flights or 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. Requests for locations directly beneath approach or departure paths are frequently refused.

Penalties for Illegal Drone Flights Near Edinburgh 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: Police Scotland have the power to seize and retain your drone.
• Criminal record: A conviction creates a permanent criminal record.

Edinburgh Airport uses detection technology to identify unauthorised drones and works closely with Police Scotland on enforcement. Several prosecutions have been brought for illegal drone activity near Scottish airports.

Summary

Edinburgh Airport’s FRZ covers the area around Ingliston, extending toward Ratho, Kirknewton, South Queensferry, and Cramond. Central Edinburgh landmarks including Arthur’s Seat are outside the FRZ but have their own restrictions. 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.