Applications and approvals 

Drones always have to maintain sufficient distance to manned air traffic. Anyone who wants to fly their drone near an airport or in a control zone must therefore comply with special regulations. They also need to keep an eye on the rest of the airspace and the weather. 

no drone zone


Aerodromes & control zones 

As a rule, drone flights are not permitted in the vicinity of airports (aerodromes), which is defined as less than 1.5 kilometres from the airport fence. The same applies to flights that take place at an altitude of more than 50 metres within a control zone. More information (German only)

Charts and airports



stock photo for document


Approval of drone flights 

For flights in the vicinity of airports or flights within a control zone, you need an air traffic control clearance from DFS as well as the permission issued by the competent aeronautical authority of the Federal State in question  (Landesluftfahrtbehörde).

 DFS online form

  • General directive (German only)
  • Application form: Aeronautical authorities of the Federal States (Landesluftfahrtbehörde, German only)
  • List of aeronautical authorities of the Federal States (Landesluftfahrtbehörde)



Further restrictions 

For the following flights, please contact the competent aeronautical authority of the Federal State (Landesluftfahrtbehörde) only.

  • Above nature reserves or residential properties
  • At a distance of less than 150 metres from groups of people
  • At a distance of less than 150 metres from specific buildings or facilities
  • At a distance of less than 150 metres from specific locations and pieces of infrastructure
  • Above 120 metres 
  • Beyond the visual line of sight 

On the websites of the respective aeronautical authority of the Federal State (Landesluftfahrtbehörde), you will find the specific regulations for that Federal State.



no drone zone


thunderstorm


Airspace restrictions and weather conditions 

You will need to find out about the current situation in the airspace before flying a drone. There may be short-term restrictions at airports as well as in airspace. Check the weather situation, too. The German Meteorological Service (DWD) provides civil aviation with weather information and also offers aviation weather products for unmanned aviation. 

 German Meteorological Service (DWD)