UK Drone Airspace & Regulations Overview

At Redwood Integrity Group Ltd, we specialise in drone operations in complex and often restricted environments, including:

• Airports

• Prisons

• Central London & other Restricted Zones

• Flight Restriction Zones (FRZs)

Many assume drones can't be flown in these areas—especially over London—but with the right licenses, permissions, and planning, these operations are not only possible, they're routine for our team.

​

Understanding UK Drone Laws

 

All drone activity in the UK is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Operators must adhere to specific categories based on the nature and risk level of their flights:

Open Category
Low-risk flights, typically away from people and infrastructure. No formal authorisation required. Most recreational or basic commercial operations fall under this.

 

Specific Category
Covers higher-risk operations, such as those near people, in congested areas, or within restricted airspace. Requires a CAA Operational Authorisation, including submission of a detailed risk assessment and flight plan.

​​

Where Can Redwood Operate?

 

We are fully authorised to operate under both Open and Specific categories, and are experienced in securing permissions for even the most sensitive zones:

Prisons
We work directly with the Prison Service and follow strict protocols to ensure compliance with airspace controls.

 

Airports
Our team has operated safely within controlled airport zones by coordinating closely with Air Traffic Control and adhering to precise flight schedules.

 

London’s Restricted Airspace
Contrary to popular belief, drone operations are permitted in London—including areas like Westminster and Heathrow’s FRZ—when correct procedures are followed. We regularly fly in these zones with full regulatory approval.

​​​

​

Ministry of Justice Building, Petty France (Facade & Roof Survey)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​​

​

​​​

How We Make It Possible

 

Redwood Integrity Group handles the regulatory and safety burden for you, ensuring every flight meets the highest standards:

• Risk Assessments & Flight Planning
  We carry out comprehensive risk assessments and create detailed plans for each operation to comply with CAA safety frameworks.

• Permit Acquisition
  We apply for and secure all necessary Operational Authorisations, including temporary or site-specific permissions for sensitive areas.

• ATC Communication
  For operations near airports, prisons, or infrastructure, we liaise with local air traffic controllers to avoid conflict with manned aviation and ensure flight safety.