DJI's GEO zone database lists 725 drone zones in the United Kingdom, 271 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 | 271 | 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 | 293 | The drone asks you to confirm before flying in. Often smaller airfields and approach paths. |
| 🟨 Warning | 161 | A warning only, for example heliports and small airfields. Flight is not blocked, but local rules still apply. |
Largest restricted zones
| Zone | Radius |
|---|---|
| Manchester Airport | 3.0 km |
| London Heathrow | 2.8 km |
| Wittering | 2.6 km |
| Lakenheath AB | 2.4 km |
| Edinburgh | 2.3 km |
| Stansted | 2.3 km |
| Newquay | 2.2 km |
| East Midlands Airport | 2.1 km |
| Boscombe Down | 2.1 km |
| Fairford | 2.0 km |
| Cranwell | 2.0 km |
| Prestwick | 2.0 km |
| Mildenhall | 2.0 km |
| Belfast International Airport | 1.8 km |
| Brize Norton AB | 1.8 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 United Kingdom at a glance
- Aviation authority: UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- Maximum height: 120 m (400 ft) above the ground, unless an authorization allows more.
- Registration: Since 1 January 2026 you need a Flyer ID (online theory test) for a drone of 100 g or more, and an Operator ID if it is 250 g or more, or 100 g or more with a camera. Official page
- Official map: NATS UAS restriction map
- From 1 January 2026, Remote ID must be on when flying a UK1, UK2 or UK3 class drone.
- Never fly over crowds, whatever the size of the drone.
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 (CAA) before you fly.
- Check Flight Restriction Zones and other restrictions on the NATS map, and NOTAMs for temporary ones. Official page
- To fly inside an airport's Flight Restriction Zone, get permission from that airport's air traffic control, or from the airport itself when ATC is not operating. Official page
- For other restricted airspace (prisons, military ranges), ask the authority responsible, as published in the UK AIP. Official page
- To fly outside the Drone Code limits, apply for a CAA operational authorisation in the Specific category. 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 United Kingdom?
Around airports, military bases and other restricted areas. DJI's database lists 271 restricted zones in the United Kingdom; the official map is NATS UAS restriction map. 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 United Kingdom?
Yes. Flying inside an airport zone or other restricted airspace needs an authorization. Responsible authority: UK Civil Aviation Authority. The official steps and links are on this page.
How high can you fly a drone in the United Kingdom?
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, UK Civil Aviation Authority (official map: NATS UAS restriction map).
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.