Drones

Drone policy at East Midlands Airport

The restrictions on flying drones near airports and airfields are legal requirements and enforced by UK aviation law.

It is an offence under the Air Navigation Order to fly within the Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) of a protected aerodrome, or within any other airspace restriction without permission. You are not permitted to fly a drone within the FRZ as indicated by the map below (at any time) unless you have permission from the Airport Authorities and Air Traffic Control.

Read our guide to no-fly zones for drones around East Midlands Airport.

Apply for a Drone Flight Permit (EMA FRZ)

To fly a drone within the East Midlands Airport Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) you must submit an application via the East Midlands Airport Drone Permits online form.

• Submit your application at least 5 working days before your planned flight date.

• Use the Operating Areas map within the form to select your flight area(s) (divided into 1km grid squares).

• Each grid area shows the maximum permitted flight height (metres above ground level).

• Requests for flights above published heights require additional assessment and are rarely approved.

What you'll need

After submitting your application, the EMA Safeguarding Team will request, by return email, copies of your:

• CAA Flyer I.D.

• 3rd Party Liability Insurance

• CAA Operational Authorisation (if applicable)

Please provide documents in PDF or JPG format.

What happens next

• Your application will be assessed by the EMA Safeguarding Team.

• You will receive either a drone flight permit or an email refusal.

• Permits are free of charge and typically valid for up to 7 days (to allow for weather delays).

Operational restrictions

• EMA may limit the number of drone flights per day.

• Drones must remain in Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) at all times.

• Night flights are not normally permitted.

Private land and restricted locations

Drone flights over private property within the EMA FRZ require prior landowner permission. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Donington Park Motor Racing Circuit

• SEGRO EMG.

• Whatton House.

• University of Nottingham (Sutton Bonington).

• Permits will not be issued without landowner approval.

Drone flight requests during the annual Download Music Festival (including build-up and breakdown periods) will be automatically refused.

Need help with a Drone Flight Permit application?

If you experience issues with the application form or need further information, please email us on: Ops.Safety@eastmidlandsairport.com

Data and privacy

Data captured by drones in this area, which may include personal data, may be:

• Collected and shared.

• Shared with relevant law enforcement agencies.

This is for crime prevention and public safety purposes.

Please refer to our privacy policy for full details.