Flying Drones In Central London

5-Step Guide To Help Drone Pilots Fly Safely In Central London & Get the Right Permissions

Central London is one of the most regulated and complex areas for drone flying in the UK. Between the crowded airspace, high security concerns, and local council by-laws, it’s not just a case of “turn up and take off.” If you’re looking to operate in areas covered by EGR157, EGR158, EGRU135 and EGRU153– as shown in the Drone Safety map – you’ll need to follow a clear process to get permissions in place.

This guide breaks down the steps to help drone pilots fly legally and safely in the capital.

Step 1 – Identify Where You Want to Fly

Zoom in on your intended location on the Drone Safety Map.

While the EGR160 Specified Area covers the entire city, this designation applies only to helicopters.

Drone pilots, the relevant restricted zones are:

• EGR157 – Covers parts of Battersea and overlaps with London Heliport’s ATZ.

• EGR158 – Includes the City of London and areas around Tower Bridge.

• EGRU135 – Covers London City Airport.

• EGRU143 – The Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) around London Heliport.

• EGRU159 - Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf and extended centreline of the runway of City airport

If your flight path crosses any of these, you are in regulated airspace and must get authorisation before flying.

Step 2 – Apply for Airspace Permission

Flying in these zones requires Non-Standard Flight (NSF) approval via NATS and clearance from other relevant air traffic and river authorities

• For EGR135 & EGR158 – You’ll likely be dealing with the Metropolitan Police and NATS themselves. The process involves submitting an online request via the NATS website, providing your personal and aircraft details, as well as explaining your flight location, altitude, dates and purpose.

  
  

• For EGRU143 – This is the London Heliport’s FRZ. You will need to seek approval from them via the "Drone Safety Map". 48 hours in advance, providing similar details. If your operating radius crosses into EGR157 you will also need to submit a request on the NATS website.

  
  

  (Be prepared for your request to take time – it’s not uncommon for Central London flights to require a few weeks’ notice)

  
  

  (London Heliport Costs)

  • £120 (incl. VAT) – Within the ATZ and circuit pattern.

  • £30 (incl. VAT) – Within the ATZ but outside the circuit [2].

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• The Port of London Authority (PLA) oversees drone operations over the Thames. If you plan to fly from a boat or over the river, notify the PLA at least three working days in advance [3]. You’ll need to:

  
  

  • Submit a flight notification via the PLA Drone Portal.

  • Possibly obtain a filming licence (standard rate: £300/hour).

  • Get written permission from the riverside landowner for takeoff/landing.

  • Coordinate with the authorities that control the FRZ you with to fly in. Also the Metropolitan Police filming unit if flying in central London.

    
    

Step 3 – Sort Your Take-Off and Landing Permissions

While you're waiting for the green light for airspace clearance, or even if you have airspace permission, you cannot simply take off or land from any public area. Landowner consent is required. In Central London, this often means speaking to the relevant council.

• City of London Corporation – For flights taking off or landing within the City’s boundaries.

• Westminster City Council – Covers much of the government district, parks, and public squares.

• Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea – For areas west of Westminster, including Chelsea Embankment.

• London Borough of Camden – If operating near Regent’s Park or Camden Town.

• London Borough of Tower Hamlets – For Canary Wharf and surrounding docks.

• London Borough of Southwark – Covering Bankside, London Bridge, and Bermondsey.

• London Borough of Lambeth – For the South Bank, Waterloo, and Clapham areas.

• Royal Borough of Greenwich – Covering Greenwich town centre and parts of the Thames riverside.

• London Borough of Wandsworth – For the London Heliport area and Battersea Park.

If you intend to operate in multiple boroughs, you may need to get permission from each one individually. Each council has its own policy on drone use, especially in parks and public spaces. Always check their websites or contact their events or filming departments.

Step 4 – Consider Your Risk Assessment

Central London is full of hazards – dense crowds, busy roads, tall buildings, and security-sensitive locations. You’ll need to conduct a thorough risk assessment, including contingency plans for emergencies. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) expects this as part of your operational planning, especially if you’re flying under a PDRA01 or similar authorisation.

(Regardless of where you fly, you must follow the "UK Drone Code")

The_Drone_Code.pdf

Download PDF • 2.32MB

Step 5 – Be Ready for On-the-Day Checks

In high-security areas, police and security teams may approach you. Keep printed or digital copies of all your permissions, your flyer ID, operator ID, and your risk assessment. This will make any spot checks quick and painless.

Final Thoughts

Flying in Central London is one of the most challenging – and rewarding – experiences a drone pilot can have in the UK. The skyline, the river, the architecture – it’s all spectacular from above. But that view comes with responsibility. By following the NATS map, contacting the right air traffic control units, and getting landowner permission from the relevant councils, you’ll keep your operation legal, safe, and professional.

If you’re unsure at any stage, start with the Drone Safety Map and work your way outwards from there. Think of it as your aerial “tube map” for navigating the capital’s airspace.