DJI's GEO zone database lists 101 drone zones in Switzerland, 17 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 | 17 | 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 | 35 | The drone asks you to confirm before flying in. Often smaller airfields and approach paths. |
| 🟨 Warning | 49 | A warning only, for example heliports and small airfields. Flight is not blocked, but local rules still apply. |
Largest restricted zones
| Zone | Radius |
|---|---|
| Zurich | 3.1 km |
| Aéroport de Genève Cointrin | 2.2 km |
| Payerne | 1.8 km |
| Emmen | 1.5 km |
| Dubendorf | 1.5 km |
| Sion | 1.4 km |
| Alpnach | 1.3 km |
| Belp | 1.1 km |
| Buochs | 1.1 km |
| Mollis | 1.1 km |
| Samedan | 1.0 km |
| Altenrhein | 0.9 km |
| Lugano | 0.8 km |
| Les Eplatures | 0.6 km |
| La Blecherette | 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 Switzerland at a glance
- Aviation authority: Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA)
- Maximum height: 120 m (400 ft) above the ground, unless an authorization allows more.
- Registration: Everyone flying a drone of 250 g or more, or any drone with a camera or microphone, must register as an operator in FOCA's dLIS portal (minimum age 12). Official page
- Official map: map.geo.admin.ch – drone restrictions
- Remote ID must be on in flight, except for C0, legacy and home-built drones.
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 (FOCA) before you fly.
- Check the drone map before every flight; restricted areas include aerodrome control zones (CTR) and aerodrome perimeters. Official page
- Click the restricted area on the map to see its conditions and the competent authority, and ask that authority for permission (not FOCA). Official page
- On the day, check the Daily Airspace Bulletin (DABS) for temporary restrictions. 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 Switzerland?
Around airports, military bases and other restricted areas. DJI's database lists 17 restricted zones in Switzerland; the official map is map.geo.admin.ch – drone restrictions. Temporary restrictions can appear at any time, so check before every flight.
Do I need permission to fly a drone near an airport in Switzerland?
Yes. Flying inside an airport zone or other restricted airspace needs an authorization. Responsible authority: Federal Office of Civil Aviation. The official steps and links are on this page.
How high can you fly a drone in Switzerland?
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, Federal Office of Civil Aviation (official map: map.geo.admin.ch – drone restrictions).
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.