Serbia introduces strict new rules for drone operators

Serbia is set to introduce tighter rules governing drone flights, with new restrictions covering areas near national borders, military and government facilities, airports, roads, industrial sites and residential buildings.

The Serbian government has adopted a decree establishing geographical zones for unmanned aircraft systems, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The regulations will take effect on 29 October 2026 and will determine where drone flights are prohibited or require prior authorisation.

Under the new rules, airspace up to 120 metres will generally remain available for drone operations unless it falls within a designated restricted or prohibited zone. Flights above 120 metres will require prior allocation of airspace and approval from Serbia’s Directorate of Civil Aviation.

Some of the strictest restrictions will apply near the country’s borders. Drone flights will be prohibited within 300 metres of the state border, with limited exceptions requiring official approval, Interior Ministry consent and an active remote-identification system. A wider 5-kilometre restriction will apply along the administrative line with Kosovo and Metohija, subject to separate authorisation and notification requirements.

The decree also establishes protected areas around military and security facilities. Drones will generally be banned over such sites and within 500 metres of them, with the distance increasing to 1,000 metres around military training grounds. Similar restrictions will apply around key government institutions, including the National Assembly, the Government and the General Secretariat of the President.

Airports will also be subject to enhanced controls. Six designated airports, including Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport and Niš Airport, will have restricted zones extending 3 kilometres from runway edges, while a 1.5-kilometre zone will apply to other airports. Limited low-altitude flights may be permitted under the open category.

The regulations further restrict drone operations around roads and railway lines. Operators will generally be barred from hovering over or continuously following major roads and railways, while crossings will be subject to minimum height, visibility and safety requirements.

Industrial and energy facilities, water infrastructure and sites storing hazardous substances will receive additional protection. Residential areas will also be covered, with restrictions on flights close to homes and at low altitudes above them.

Environmental protections are included as well. Drone flights will be prohibited over strictly protected areas, while seasonal restrictions will apply around the nests of protected birds of prey.

Authorities will have the power to take measures to force non-compliant drones to land or neutralise them. Operators will be responsible for checking the latest restrictions before each flight through a dedicated mobile application, where prohibited and restricted zones will be clearly identified.

By Aghakazim Guliyev