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

Understanding Glasgow Airport’s Flight Restriction Zone

Glasgow Airport (ICAO code EGPF) is located at Abbotsinch in Paisley, approximately 13 km west of Glasgow city centre. It operates a single main runway oriented roughly east–west (runway 05/23), with approach paths extending over the urban areas of Renfrew and Clydebank to the east and farmland toward Linwood and Johnstone to the 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 critical phases of flight. Within the FRZ, no drone may be flown at any altitude without prior permission — regardless of the drone’s size or the operator’s qualifications.

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 for aerodromes with runways of 1,110 metres or more. This covers the airport terminal, the Abbotsinch area, and parts of central Paisley and Renfrew.

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 Glasgow, the eastern outer zone reaches over Renfrew toward Clydebank and Yoker, while the western outer zone extends toward Linwood, Elderslie, and Johnstone.

Check the CAA Drone Safety Map for current FRZ boundaries rather than estimating distances. The boundary does not follow administrative borders, roads, or postcodes.

Areas Affected by the FRZ

• Paisley: The airport sits within Paisley’s boundaries. Much of the town falls within or near the FRZ. St Mirren’s stadium, Paisley Abbey, and the University of the West of Scotland campus are in close proximity to the restricted zone.
• Renfrew: Located directly east of the airport along the runway’s approach path. Renfrew town centre and the Braehead Shopping Centre area are likely within the outer zone. Verify on the CAA Drone Safety Map.
• Clydebank: Parts of Clydebank, including areas along the River Clyde, may fall within the eastern extent of the outer zone. This is a critical check for drone pilots planning to fly along the Clyde corridor.
• Linwood and Johnstone: To the west, these towns may be affected by the western outer zone along the departure path.
• Erskine: Located north of the airport across the Clyde, parts of Erskine may sit near the FRZ boundary.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport: A Separate FRZ

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (ICAO code EGPK) is a separate airport located in Ayrshire, approximately 50 km south-west of Glasgow Airport. It has its own distinct FRZ that is entirely separate from Glasgow Airport’s restriction zone.

If you are flying in south-west Scotland, you must check for both FRZs independently. Being outside one airport’s FRZ does not mean you are outside the other. The Ayrshire coast between Troon and Ayr, in particular, requires careful checking against the Prestwick FRZ.

Both airports are displayed on the CAA Drone Safety Map and the NATS Drone Assist app.

Flying Outside the FRZ Near Glasgow

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.

Glasgow’s broader Class D controlled airspace extends well beyond the FRZ at higher altitudes. The 120 m drone ceiling keeps you below this floor in most locations. Glasgow city centre, being east of the airport, is generally outside the FRZ but is a congested area with its own separation requirements.

Obtaining Permission to Fly Within the FRZ

1. Contact Glasgow Airport directly to request approval from air traffic control.
2. Provide full details including drone type, maximum take-off mass, 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 approval.

Permission is at the airport’s discretion. Requests for locations directly beneath approach or departure paths are frequently refused.

Penalties for Illegal Drone Flights Near Glasgow 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 your drone as evidence.
• Criminal record: A conviction creates a permanent criminal record.

Glasgow Airport uses drone detection technology and works with Police Scotland to investigate unauthorised incursions. The dense urban environment around the airport means that illegal flights carry a heightened risk of detection and prosecution.

Summary

Glasgow Airport’s FRZ covers Paisley, Renfrew, parts of Clydebank, and areas west toward Linwood and Johnstone. Prestwick Airport, 50 km to the south-west, has its own separate FRZ. Before flying anywhere near either 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.