DJI's GEO zone database lists 106 drone zones in the Netherlands, 12 of them restricted, mostly around airports and military bases. Below are the zone types, the largest restricted zones, the rules at a glance and the official links to request permission when you need to fly inside a zone.
Zone types
| Zone | Count | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 🟥 Restricted | 12 | DJI drones cannot take off or fly inside. Most are airports and military bases; flying there needs an authorization and a DJI unlock. |
| 🟧 Enhanced warning | 72 | The drone asks you to confirm before flying in. Often smaller airfields and approach paths. |
| 🟨 Warning | 22 | A warning only, for example heliports and small airfields. Flight is not blocked, but local rules still apply. |
Largest restricted zones
| Zone | Radius |
|---|---|
| Luchthaven Schiphol | 4.5 km |
| Geilenkirchen | 1.8 km |
| Woensdrecht | 1.8 km |
| Maastricht/Aachen | 1.7 km |
| Eindhoven Airport | 1.7 km |
| Eelde | 1.6 km |
| Leeuwarden | 1.5 km |
| Rotterdam The Hague Airport | 1.5 km |
| Deelen | 1.4 km |
| Lelystad | 1.2 km |
| De Kooy | 0.6 km |
| Weert | 0.6 km |
Radius of the circle in DJI's database. The official zone can have another shape and reach further, for example along the runway approach.
Drone rules in the Netherlands at a glance
- Aviation authority: Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport (ILT)
- Airspace authorization: LVNL (GoDrone)
- Maximum height: 120 m (400 ft) above the ground, unless an authorization allows more.
- Registration: Drone operators register with the RDW to get an operator number (exploitantnummer), renewed every year. Official page
- Official map: GoDrone
- Drones may only fly from 15 minutes before sunrise to 15 minutes after sunset.
How to get authorization to fly in a restricted zone
Steps and links from official sources, checked in September 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official website (ILT) before you fly.
- Check the GoDrone map: open-category flights are not allowed in the control zones (CTR) around airports. Official page
- To fly in a CTR, get a specific-category operational authorisation from the ILT (or declare a standard scenario). Official page
- Submit a mission plan in the GoDrone Operator Portal in advance for provisional permission (LVNL for civil CTRs, the military for military CTRs). Official page
- Before take-off, get clearance from the control tower and stay in contact during the flight. Official page
- Flying a DJI drone? With the authorization in hand, request an unlock on DJI FlySafe. DJI's unlock does not replace the authority's permission.
Check zones and weather before you fly
The Drone Weather Forecast app shows these zones on a map with DJI's colours, next to the hourly wind, gusts, rain, KP index and satellites for your drone model.
Frequently asked questions
Where can't you fly a drone in the Netherlands?
Around airports, military bases and other restricted areas. DJI's database lists 12 restricted zones in the Netherlands; the official map is GoDrone. Temporary restrictions can appear at any time, so check before every flight.
Do I need permission to fly a drone near an airport in the Netherlands?
Yes. Flying inside an airport zone or other restricted airspace needs an authorization. Responsible authority: LVNL (GoDrone). The official steps and links are on this page.
How high can you fly a drone in the Netherlands?
Up to 120 m (400 ft) above the ground under the general rules, unless an authorization allows more. Near airports the limit can be lower, or zero.
Is the DJI no-fly zone map official?
No. DJI's GEO zones are a safety layer built into DJI drones. The binding zones and rules are the ones published by the aviation authority, Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport (official map: GoDrone).
Zone counts and names: DJI FlySafe GEO database, snapshot of February 3, 2026. It is a safety guide, not the official airspace: the aviation authority publishes the binding zones and temporary restrictions.