Our thanks to reader Jasper, who is a drone pilot, and who updated us at each step when he recently applied to fly his drone on the island. Here’s the lowdown on flying drones in Lanzarote.
Read on for more, but here’s the bottom line: Even if flying for no commercial reason, the laws are quite strict here, there are very few places you can fly, and it probably isn’t worth bringing your drone. If you’re flying for commercial photography, you absolutely must get permission in writing beforehand.
Let’s start with the Spanish rules which apply to flying drones in Lanzarote:
The Spanish RPAS regulation (RD 1036/2017) states the following rules for recreational use of RPAS in SPAIN:
– Outside agglomerations of buildings and people.
– By day and visual weather conditions.
– Within the visual range of the pilot (VLOS) and at no more than 120 m in height.
– Maintaining a suitable distance to obstacles and giving priority to other aircraft.
– In uncontrolled airspace at a minimum distance of 8 km from the reference point of any airport or aerodrome. Except for those operations carried out from infrastructures destined to RPAS, under the conditions established in the coordination procedures agreed by the responsible of said infrastructures with the air traffic services provider.
– At night with airplanes of less than 2kg of MTOM at a maximum height above ground of 50m.
– When using first-person vision devices (FPV), the operation must be performed within the visual range (VLOS), by observers who remain in permanent contact with the pilot without the help of these devices.
The distributions of images of people or private spaces, need authorization of them and that must comply with the Law of Data Protection, the Right to Honor, Privacy and own image and the restrictions of taking aerial images.
Any picture that you may take during recreational flight cannot be transferred for commercial or professional use.
Please ask local Authorities prior to fly. Other restrictions may apply, for example in some special areas like Natural Parks and Biosphere Reserves.
You are responsible for the operation of your RPAS. We do recommend to get, at least, a third-party insurance to cover the risks associated to the operation of your RPAS.
Please contact your airline carrier too in order to check the special conditions for transport of LIPO batteries.
Letter of approval is not needed for recreational purposes (hobby).
That’s not too bad, but where it gets complicated in Lanzarote is that we are a small island, and much of the island is protected (Timanfaya,) has military installations (above Haria) or is on the airport flight path.
Here’s information from reader Leo, who is a local drone politician:
The rules are based on European Union regulations, implemented and overseen in Spain by AESA (Spain’s Aviation Safety Agency).
🗺️ The Official Source: Checking Airspace is Mandatory
The idea that only one area is permitted is incorrect, but large areas are restricted due to the airport and protected nature reserves. The key to legal flying is always checking the official source:
• Official Airspace Map (ENAIRE Drones): Before every single flight, you must consult the official ENAIRE Drones map (Spain’s Air Navigation Service Provider).
• This map shows all UAS Geographical Zones, including restrictions around the Lanzarote Airport (GCRR), military zones, and Protected Natural Areas (like Timanfaya National Park) where flying is generally prohibited or requires special permission.
• SAERCO: For operations that require coordination with Air Traffic Control (ATC) in the controlled airspace around the airport (as shown on the ENAIRE map), SAERCO (which provides tower services at Lanzarote Airport) will be involved in managing the safe integration of your flight.
📝 Key Rules for Recreational Flying (Open Category)
These rules apply across the entire island, enforced by AESA, which works in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior for public safety and security matters:
• 👁️ Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): The drone must always remain within your direct, unaided visual line of sight.
• ⬆️ Maximum Altitude: You cannot fly higher than 120 meters (394 feet) above the ground.
• 👥 Respect People & Crowds: You must not fly over assemblies of people (e.g., crowded beaches, events).
• 🚫 Restricted Areas: You must respect the zones published on the ENAIRE Drones map, which includes no-fly zones over most urban areas and critical infrastructure.
• 📸 Privacy: You must respect people’s right to privacy and honor.
📌 Essential Requirements (UAS Operator & Insurance)
For almost any drone with a camera, these steps are legally mandatory in Spain:
• 🆔 Operator Registration: The drone owner/operator must be registered with AESA (Spain’s Aviation Safety Agency) and display their unique operator number clearly on the drone.
• 🛡️ Liability Insurance: A third-party liability insurance policy for your drone is legally required for all civil UAS flights in Spain, even for recreational use. I use coverdrone and it costs me about 18€ per year
• 🎓 Pilot Training: Depending on the drone’s weight/class, you may need to complete the free online A1/A3 Certificate exam provided by AESA.
• Please note that drones that have a mass take off weight higher that 249g have most restrictions.
By following these simple, necessary rules established by AESA and ENAIRE, and respecting the coordination efforts with entities like SAERCO and the Ministry of the Interior, we can all ensure the safety of Lanzarote’s airspace.
Did you know Concorde had been to Lanzarote?
Image by Clément Bucco-Lechat (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
