Even if you operate your drone in the "Open" category or hold an authorization in the "Specific" category, special regulations apply to certain areas. Please consider these requirements when planning your flight.
 
According to the Austrian Aviation Rules 2014, flights in the following zones require prior approval or consent:
 
Flowchart shows that drone flights in Austria require operational approval in airport zones and restricted areas such as Vienna (LO R 15), Neusiedler See (LO R 16), and Rheindelta (LO R 18) – drone operations in Austrian airspace.

Civil zones
  • Controlled zones: Before flying near airports, approval from the relevant air traffic control unit is required.
  • Airport zones: A special authorization is required for operations in these areas.
  • Restricted Flight Areas (e.g., Vienna, Lake Neusiedl, Rhine Delta): A special authorization is also required for flights in these areas.
  • Airfields and heliports zones: Drones may only be operated near airfields and heliports (formerly uncontrolled aerodromes) outside of operational hours. Please refer to the Austrian Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP Austria) for exact operating hours.
 
 
Military zones
  • Controlled zones, Aeirport zones, Terminal control areas: Approval from the locally responsible military air traffic control unit is required.
  • Restricted flight areas: Authorization from the Federal Ministry of Defence or the military air traffic control unit is necessary.
  • Security zones of military aerodromes: A permit from the Federal Ministry of Defence is required.
     
Nature reserves
 
Nature reserves are currently not displayed in the Austro Control Dronespace system. According to Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947, they must be designated as geographical zones by the Federal Ministry for Climate Action before being included on the map.
 
If you are planning a flight in a nature reserve, please check with the relevant authorities (often the state governments) for applicable regulations.
 
 
Fees
Please note that flights requiring approval are subject to fees in accordance with the ACGV.
 
Austro Control Dronespace System
A detailed overview of the zones can be found in our Austro Control Dronespace System.
Take advantage of our free app, available in the Google Play Store and the iOS App Store.
 
Access the Austro Control Dronespace System here
Contact
If you have any questions or uncertainties, feel free to contact us at .
For flights in military zones, please reach out directly to the Federal Ministry of Defence.
 
 

Austro Control Dronespace App

Flight Plan Submission and Approval, Quick-Check Function, and Operator Registration
Flying drones is simple and safe with the desktop version und in der App.
For more information, refer to our guides and our Dronespace Folder