Drones have come a long way from being recreational gadgets. Today, they are indispensable tools used across industries such as policing and infrastructure. Yet for the aviation sector, they present a complex challenge. They can offer operational advantages such as runway inspections, but they also bring serious safety and security risks. Even a single drone can cause severe disruption at an airport, delaying flights, grounding aircraft and endangering passenger safety. Airports must remain vigilant to the risks.
As of 1 January 2026 (the Key Date), the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) introduced new rules for drones. These changes aim to keep the skies safe while allowing innovation to continue. This article explains why drones are an escalating concern for UK airports, what is new in the rules and whether these measures go far enough to protect the aviation sector.
Why drones are a nuisance for airports
Airports are uniquely vulnerable to drones, and general public concern about drone-related disruptions remains widespread. The 2018 Gatwick Airport shutdown remains a high-profile example of the disruption and chaos a single drone can inflict. Key risks include:
- Aircraft collisions: Drones can damage an aircraft’s engine or windscreen
- Air traffic control: Unauthorised drones in restricted zones can disrupt air traffic control
- Security threats: Drones can be used for espionage
- Privacy and nuisance: Drones with cameras can breach privacy
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The 2026 UK drone rules: What's new?
Given the rapid evolution and increasing accessibility of drones, robust regulation is essential to reduce risks to airlines and the travelling public. The CAA has introduced significant changes which apply to all drone users across the UK from the Key Date. The main changes are:
A Flyer ID is required to operate a drone in the Over People (A1) and Far from People (A3) categories. To obtain a Flyer ID, operators must pass the CAA’s official theory test, which is free. A Flyer ID is mandatory for drones weighing 100g or more.
- Over people (A1): Allows flying closer than 50m to uninvolved people
- Near people (A2): Includes parks and urban environments. It requires an A2 Certificate of Competency
- Far from people (A3): Prohibits flying within 50m of uninvolved people and within 150m of residential, recreational, commercial or industrial areas.
The Operator ID identifies the individual responsible for managing and maintaining the drone and ensuring pilots hold the necessary competence. An Operator ID is required for drones weighing 250g or more, or 100g or more if equipped with a camera. Applicants must be 18 or older. If the drone owner is under 18, a parent or guardian must register for the Operator ID.
A Remote ID system broadcasts the identity and location of a drone while in flight. This information can be received by anyone using a Remote ID receiver and from the Key Date all drones must have Remote ID enabled before flying. From 2027, drones without a UK class mark will be treated as "legacy" and subject to transitional rules until full compliance is required. Remote ID is mandatory for class-marked drones starting on the Key Date and will become compulsory for legacy or unmarked drones with cameras by 1 January 2028 if they weigh 100g or more. This phased approach gives operators time to upgrade older drones.
From the Key Date, all drones sold in the UK must carry a UK class mark, ranging from UK0 to UK6. These marks are similar to the European C-Class system but serve a unique UK purpose:
- UK0 and UK1: Permitted to fly over people under certain conditions
- UK2: Designed for flights near people, requiring additional safety training
- UK3 and above: Intended for heavier or more advanced drones, subject to stricter operational limits.
Drones purchased before the Key Date are unlikely to have a UK class mark but may still be flown if the CAA Drone Code is followed. Drones with a European C class mark can operate until 31 December 2027, allowing a smoother transition for operators. After this date, all drones flown in the UK must have a UK class mark.
When flying a drone at night, it must be equipped with a flashing green light or a securely fitted add-on light. The weight of any add-on light counts toward the drone’s overall weight, which may affect the applicable regulatory category.
The Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) around airports remains in force. Flying a drone within an FRZ without prior permission from both the CAA and the airport is illegal and subject to penalties.
Impact of the regulations
The 2026 framework is a step in the right direction. The changes are material and forward-looking, affecting an estimated 500,000 drone users. These rules aim to improve:
- Public confidence: Reassure passengers and the public that airports are safe
- Safety: Tightening safety standards by broadening registration requirements, lowering the weight threshold for compliance and introducing mandatory competency tests for a wider group of operators
- Accountability: The new classification system, combined with Remote ID and class marks, enhances traceability and accountability
- Enable positive use: These measures aim not only to improve airspace safety and public confidence but also to enable legitimate drone operations within a clear legal framework.
A missed opportunity?
While the 2026 rules mark a significant change, questions persist about whether they go far enough. Balancing legitimate drone use, such as infrastructure inspection, with uncompromised airspace safety remains a challenge. The aviation sector may argue this was a missed opportunity to introduce stricter rules immediately rather than relying on phased compliance, which creates a temporary gap in traceability.
Although the rules broadly align with international standards, differences remain. This is an issue particularly for overseas operators, such as EU pilots, whose certificates and IDs no longer automatically work under UK law. Ultimately, these rules will only succeed if airports, the CAA and drone operators work closely together.
Practical steps
The future of UK aviation depends on our ability to embrace innovation while prioritising safety. As drone technology continues to evolve, so too must the approach to regulation. Future measures could include:
- Public awareness campaigns: educating the public on the risks and rules affecting drones near airports
- Penalties: introducing tougher penalties for unauthorised flights near airports
- Compulsory insurance for all drone users: covering potential damage or disruption caused by drones
- Enhanced training requirements: adding practical flight tests alongside the theory test
- Cross-border recognition: harmonising standards for international operators to reduce compliance gaps
For further guidance or to discuss how Freeths can support your airport’s compliance and risk management strategies, please contact our specialist team.
The content of this page is a summary of the law in force at the date of publication and is not exhaustive, nor does it contain definitive advice. Specialist legal advice should be sought in relation to any queries that may arise.
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