Nano drones may soon be allowed on domestic flights

Recently, the government relaxed regulations on drone usage. Now, the government is also looking to work out ways for people to carry drones on planes.

“Drones can’t be taken on (domestic) flights as of now. But we have to find a way to let people carry them for vacations and using them at the destinations. Whether they can be taken in hand bag or check-in baggage and how, these things are being worked out by the government,” a top aviation official said to TOI.

For international travellers, regulations of other countries will need to be complied with. This clarity on rules is needed to ensure people can at least take nano drones (weighing up to 250 gram) that now come with great cameras, on vacation within the country.


Drone rules were relaxed last month and stringent regulations that were put in place this March. Carrying drones during air travel is still a grey area. People that have nano and micro (weighing between 251 gram and 2 kg) drones for non-commercial or personal uses do not require a remote pilot licence. Besides that, model remotely piloted aircraft system and nano drones also do not require a certificate.

The government is planning an airspace map for unmanned aircraft system operations that will have three coloured zones. This map is expected to be on Digital Sky single-window drone platform by the month-end. That will clearly show where a drone can be operated.

In Red Zones like airports, drones will continue to be prohibited. Inner Yellow Zones will require air traffic control clearance. Outer Yellow Zones will not require permission up to 200 feet between 8 and 12 km from the airport perimeter. Green Zones will not require permission for drones to fly up to 400 feet.