UK Drone Rules 2026 – A Clear, Practical Guide

From 1 January 2026, the UK drone rules changed in ways that affect all drone pilots, whether you fly recreationally or professionally.

While some new requirements have been introduced, there is also good news. Modern drones, especially capable mid-size models now benefit from greater flexibility, particularly when flying in towns and cities. This guide explains the rules clearly and practically, focusing on what actually matters when you go flying.

All references are UK-specific and based on guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Law vs Guidance (Why This Matters)

UK drone rules exist at two levels:

  • Legislation
    This is the law and is what enforcement is based on.
  • CAA guidance
    Practical advice designed to help you comply with the law.

The CAA publishes guidance through:

  • The Drone and Model Aircraft Code
  • CAP 722
  • Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC)

Not everything in the Drone Code is law but following it is the simplest way to demonstrate safe and responsible flying.

Drone Registration: Flyer ID & Operator ID

Drone registration in the UK continues under the 2026 rules but more pilots are now required to obtain a Flyer ID.

📄 CAA reference:
https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/getting-started-with-drones-and-model-aircraft/flyer-ids-and-operator-ids/

The essentials

  • ALL drones over 100g require the person flying to hold a Flyer ID
  • Drones that require registration must display an Operator ID
  • Flyer ID identifies who is flying
  • Operator ID identifies who is legally responsible
  • You register once and the same IDs apply to all drones you own or fly

Displaying your Operator ID

If a drone requires an Operator ID:

  • It must be displayed on every drone
  • It must be accessible without tools, for example inside the battery compartment

Borrowing or lending a drone

Someone else can legally fly your drone if:

  • They hold a valid Flyer ID
  • You have given permission
  • Your Operator ID remains on the drone

In this situation, the owner remains responsible for the aircraft while the pilot is responsible for how it is flown.

Registration requirements (UK – 2026)

Drone weight UK class EU class EU class validity Flyer ID Operator ID
250g–<25kg UK1–UK4 C1–C4 Valid until 31 Dec 2027 Required Required
100g–<250g (camera) UK0 C0 No expiry Required Required
100g–<250g (no camera) UK0 C0 No expiry Required Optional
<100g N/A N/A N/A Recommended Optional

Rules That Apply to All Drones

Altitude

  • Maximum height: 120m / 400ft
  • Measured from the closest point of the Earth’s surface

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

You must be able to see your drone to:

  • Avoid collisions in the air
  • Avoid hazards on the ground

Seeing only a flashing light or a distant dot is not sufficient.

FPV and spotters

  • FPV goggles require a spotter
  • Continuous screen-only flying requires a spotter
  • Brief glances at the controller screen do not

Airspace: Check Every Flight

UK airspace is busy and shared with many other users. You must check airspace before every flight.

Look out for:

  • Flight Restriction Zones (FRZs) such as airports, prisons and prohibited sites
  • Temporary restrictions (RA(T)s) such as events, protests and transit corridors
  • NOTAMs, which are aviation warnings

A useful and trusted tool for this is www.thedronemap.com, created and supported by FPV UK.

Where You Can Fly: A1, A2 and A3

The CAA continues to use A1, A2 and A3 categories in 2026 for Open Category flying.

A1 – Over People

  • Towns and cities allowed
  • No minimum separation from uninvolved people
  • Not over crowds

Allowed drones:

  • Sub-250g legacy drones
  • UK0 / UK1 drones
  • C1 drones (recognised until end of 2027)

A2 – Near People

  • Built-up areas allowed
  • No flying over uninvolved people
  • Requires A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC)

Allowed drones:

  • UK2 drones up to 4kg (30m / 5m slow mode + 1:1 rule)
  • Legacy drones up to 2kg (50m)
  • C2 drones (until end of 2027)

A3 – Far From People

  • Open countryside only
  • Any drone up to 25kg
  • 50m from people
  • 150m from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas

A Practical Drone Choice for Professionals

For professional and serious users, the DJI Air 3S is an extremely capable drone for the money.

It offers:

  • A high-quality dual-camera system
  • Strong flight performance and safety features
  • A C1 classification allowing flight in A1 airspace

For many operators, it provides an excellent balance of capability and regulatory freedom.

Remote ID: What’s Changing

Remote ID broadcasts identification and location data.

  • From 1 January 2026
    Applies only to new drone models released with UK1, UK2 or UK3 class marks
  • From January 2028
    Applies to all other drones
    Older or home-built drones may require an additional module which will increase weight

Night Flying

From 2026, night flying requires:

  • A flashing green light

This allows people on the ground to identify a drone as distinct from a manned aircraft.

The CAA has clarified for C0/UK0 class drones that changes in lighting behaviour during different operating modes (for example lights dimming or switching off while recording video on some models) do not affect the aircraft’s class rating or legality.

What matters is that the aircraft is fitted with a flashing green light for identification and that Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) is maintained at all times. The purpose of VLOS remains collision avoidance, not simply seeing the aircraft’s lights.

 

Insurance and Commercial Flying

Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. If you choose to take out a policy via this link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 UK drone rules introduce some new requirements but they also bring genuine positives.

Overall, the changes mean:

  • More flexibility for modern drones
  • Greater access to urban flying
  • A phased pragmatic approach to new technology such as Remote ID

Taken as a whole, these updates represent a measured move toward simplification and partial de-regulation, rather than tighter restriction.

If in doubt always check the latest CAA guidance before flying, as rules and interpretations continue to evolve.

Understand your drone, check the airspace, fly considerately and 2026 should be a better year to fly in the UK.

Fly safe.

Written by Toby Hope

Managing Director of Airtech Images Ltd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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