---
title: "Drone no-fly zones in the United Kingdom: airports, official map and permits"
description: "725 drone zones in the United Kingdom, 271 of them restricted: the largest airport zones, the official map and how to get authorization to fly in a restricted zone."
canonical: https://droneweatherforecast.app/no-fly-zones/united-kingdom
lang: en
site: Drone Weather Forecast
updated: 2026-09-17
html: https://droneweatherforecast.app/no-fly-zones/united-kingdom
markdown: https://droneweatherforecast.app/no-fly-zones/united-kingdom.md
llms_txt: https://droneweatherforecast.app/llms.txt
---

# Drone no-fly zones in the United Kingdom

> 725 drone zones in the United Kingdom, 271 of them restricted: the largest airport zones, the official map and how to get authorization to fly in a restricted zone.

*Last updated: 2026-09-17*

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)](https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/)
- **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](https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/open-category/drone-code/getting-what-you-need-to-fly-legally/)
- **Official map:** [NATS UAS restriction map](https://nats-uk.ead-it.com/cms-nats/opencms/en/uas-restriction-zones/)
- 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.

1. Check Flight Restriction Zones and other restrictions on the NATS map, and NOTAMs for temporary ones. [Official page](https://nats-uk.ead-it.com/cms-nats/opencms/en/uas-restriction-zones/)
2. 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](https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/open-category/drone-code/where-you-can-fly-points-3-to-9/)
3. For other restricted airspace (prisons, military ranges), ask the authority responsible, as published in the UK AIP. [Official page](https://nats-uk.ead-it.com/cms-nats/opencms/en/Publications/AIP/)
4. To fly outside the Drone Code limits, apply for a CAA operational authorisation in the Specific category. [Official page](https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/specific-category/)
5. Flying a DJI drone? With the authorization in hand, request an unlock on [DJI FlySafe](https://fly-safe.dji.com/unlock/unlock-request). 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.

→ [Drone pre-flight checklist](https://droneweatherforecast.app/guides/drone-pre-flight-checklist)

## 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).

[Drone no-fly zones by country](https://droneweatherforecast.app/no-fly-zones)

*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.*

## Check the weather and the no-fly zones in the United Kingdom

Drone Weather Forecast shows no-fly zones on a map, plus the hourly wind, gusts, rain, KP index and satellites for your drone model. Free on Android and iOS, no ads.

- [Get it on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.droneweather.app)
- [Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/drone-weather-forecast/id6768126094)