About UK airspace
Any outdoor space above ground is airspace, no matter how close to the ground, or who owns the land or property below. This means airspace rules apply wherever you fly outdoors, even if you own the land you're flying over.
The UK’s airspace is extremely busy and split into various classes, areas and types to enable different types of flying to take place safely. In many places, there are restrictions on what you can do and whether you can enter a volume of airspace. These are known as airspace restrictions.
You must have a Flyer ID before you can fly most drones or model aircraft in UK airspace.
Airspace restrictions
Airspace restrictions apply to all drones and model aircraft, including those up to 250g. They're in place to keep everyone safe.
You must always comply with any airspace restrictions.
Some airspace restrictions are permanent, while others may be temporary. This means you must always check for the latest information on any restrictions before you fly.
Permanent airspace restrictions
There are three types of permanent airspace restrictions:
- prohibited areas
- restricted areas
- danger areas
Examples of places that often have permanent airspace restrictions in place include:
- aerodromes, spaceports and heliports
- prisons
- military ranges
- royal palaces
- government buildings
Temporary airspace restrictions
Temporary airspace restrictions are frequently put in place across the UK. They may be:
- pre-planned, such as for an organised event
- established at very short notice, such as in response to an emergency incident
Temporary restrictions can be in any area of airspace, including around airfields, so you must check for any restrictions every time you fly.
Check for airspace restrictions on the UK Aeronautical Information Service (AIS)
The primary source of information about airspace restrictions is the UK Aeronautical Information Service (AIS), published by NATS (opens in a new tab).
Restrictions that apply to unmanned aircraft, including restrictions around aerodromes (Flight Restriction Zones), are published in the UK Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), section ENR 5.1 Prohibited, Restricted and Danger Areas (opens in a new tab).
NATS publishes details of UAS Restriction Zones (opens in new tab).
Register for pre-fight information bulletins
NATS provide a service where you can register for pre-flight information bulletins on NOTAMS (opens in a new tab).
About NATS
NATS is a provider of air traffic control and other aviation services in the UK. It is licensed and certified to provide the UK AIS.
About NOTAMs
NOTAMs (Notices to Aviation) are official notices used to inform anyone involved in aviation about information that's essential to ensuring safety.
NOTAMs include temporary activities that may be a hazard to flying. For example, information about a hot air balloon show.
Check for airspace restrictions before every flight
- Check for temporary restrictions.
- Check for permanent restrictions.
- If you're flying under an Operational Authorisation, always comply with your Authorisation.
We publicise some temporary airspace restrictions on Skywise (opens in a new tab). However, you should not use Skywise as your main source for operational use as it does not provide a full list of all restrictions.
Drone apps and airspace restriction websites
A number of apps and websites provide details of airspace restrictions that may help you plan safe flights.
Find out more about apps and websites
Some apps and manufacturers systems do not provide up-to-date information on airspace restrictions.
You are responsible for ensuring that the service or information you use is accurate and fit for purpose.
If you use a drone app or website to check for airspace restrictions, make sure you know what information it can provide.
Read our safety notice and recommendations
Requesting permission to fly a drone or model aircraft in restricted airspace
You can request permission to fly in restricted airspace.
If you want to get permission to fly in restricted airspace around an aerodrome, heliport or spaceport, you will need to contact the site where you want to fly.
Find out more about getting permission to fly at an aerodrome, heliport or spaceport
If you want to get permission to fly in other restricted airspace, use our Airspace Co-ordination and Obstacle Management Service (opens in a new tab).
Always make sure you can see and avoid other aircraft
Even if you're allowed to fly in certain airspace, you must always be ready to take action to avoid other aircraft that may be sharing the same airspace.
Military activities
It's good practice for Operators to coordinate their activity with the Military Airspace Management Cell (MAMC) (Low Flying).
Also remember
You must always fly at a reasonable height so you don't interfere with people's use and enjoyment of their land or buildings.
You must always comply with any other non-aviation laws that may apply. You may need permission from property or landowners if you plan to fly from their property. Look out for local bye laws that may restrict flying activity.