Flying a drone in Spain - what is worth knowing?

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over Europe - and no wonder, since it is a country full of landscapes, monuments and diverse nature. If you plan to take your drone there, you need to keep in mind that specific regulations apply - both those arising from European Union regulations and local restrictions that may surprise you. In this article, we explain how to legally and safely fly a drone in Spain.

Flying a drone in Spain - what you should know?

Flying a drone in Spain is possible, but requires knowledge of EU-wide regulations and adherence to local aviation restrictions. Before flying recreationally or commercially, it's a good idea to check carefully what type of device you have, what area you plan to fly in, and what paperwork needs to be completed. The rules are precise, and violations can result in heavy financial penalties.

What regulations apply to drone operators in Spain?

Drones in Spain are covered by EU regulations, which divide flying into three main categories: open, special and certified. In practice, the vast majority of operators move within the open category, which includes flights performed for recreation or simple tasks, without significant risk to bystanders or infrastructure.

There are four basic requirements for the open category:

• the takeoff weight of the drone must not exceed 25 kg,
  
• the maximum flight altitude is 120 meters from the ground,
  
• the device must remain in sight of the operator at all times,
  
• keep a safe distance from third parties.

What are the subcategories of flights in the open category?

The open category is divided into three subcategories: A1, A2, and A3, depending on the weight of the drone and the nature of the flight. They are the ones who decide under what conditions and in what place you can legally make a flight.

A1 - drones up to 250 g

• Ability to fly over individual bystanders.
  
• Ban on flights over gatherings of people.
  
• Operator registration mandatory if the drone is equipped with a camera.

A1 - drones 250-900 g

• Ban on flights over crowds still in effect.
  
• Permissible short flights over bystanders.
  
• Registration and completion of online training required.

A2 - drones up to 4 kg

• Minimum horizontal distance from people: 30 meters (or 5 meters with speed limit function).
  
• A2 certification required (online training, practical exercises and theoretical exam).

A3 - drones 4-25 kg

• Required minimum distance of 150 meters from buildings and people.
  
• In practice, it makes it impossible to fly in cities, due to dense buildings and the presence of people.

Is it possible to fly a drone in Spain in the city?

Flying a drone in a city is technically possible, but it requires meeting a number of conditions and is often restricted by local regulations and prohibited zones. In most cases, it will be necessary to operate a drone with a very low weight (up to 250 g) or obtain permission from the relevant authorities.

The m.in.:

• proximity to airports or heliports,
  
• the presence of military facilities,
  
• restrictions related to public events (e.g., concerts, matches),
  
• zones temporarily excluded from drone traffic due to, for example, rescue operations.

It is worth remembering that the EU regulations themselves do not prohibit flights in urban space, but set safety standards that are sometimes difficult or impracticable to meet in such conditions.

How to find out where to fly a drone in Spain?

The safest way to verify the feasibility of a flight is to use official mapping tools and apps that indicate current geographic zones. In Spain, operators can use maps provided by AESA or applications such as "ENAIRE Drones" - the Spanish equivalent of DroneTower.

These types of tools allow:

• check the boundaries of prohibited and restricted zones,
  
• verify that pre-flight authorization is needed,
  
• identify zones temporarily excluded from use.

When operator and drone registration is required?

The operator's registration obligation arises when the drone weighs more than 250 g or is equipped with a camera. Notification is done at the EU level - this means that if an operator has been registered in one of the EU countries (e.g. Poland), it does not have to repeat the procedure in Spain.

Registration requirements include:

• completion of online training (for A1/A3) or theoretical and practical training (for A2),
  
• obtaining an operator identifier (ID),
  
• marking the drone according to the requirements (usually with a QR code).

What are the penalties for illegal flights?

Spanish services take drone violations very seriously, and fines can run into the tens of thousands of euros. Typical violations include:

• flying a drone in the prohibited zone without consent,
  
• exceeding the height limit,
  
• no required operator or drone registration,
  
• performing out-of-sight flight.

It is a good idea to carry documentation proving the legality of the flight (certificates, registration, possible permits), especially in public spaces.

Where to look for reliable information?

The best source of information on current regulations is the official website of the Spanish aviation authority AESA. The latest documents on legal changes, application forms and instructions for operators are published there. In addition, it is worth following the ENAIRE website and the European UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) platform available under the aegis of EASA.

Summary

Flying a drone in Spain is possible, but only if you know and comply with current regulations. Before you take off, make sure you have the proper credentials, registered equipment, and have thoroughly checked the zones where you plan to fly. In cities or near airports, restrictions can be particularly severe - so it's worth using official apps such as ENAIRE Drones and following news published by the Spanish civil aviation authority AESA.