The European Commission has adopted the U-space package – three regulations that together create the conditions necessary for both drones and manned aircraft to operate safely in section of our airspace known as the U-space. The new rules will enter into force in April and will become applicable as of 26 January 2023. 

These regulations introduce new services for drone operators, allowing them to carry out more complex and longer-distance operations, particularly in congested, low-level airspace (below 120m), and when out of sight.

The U-space package creates and harmonises the conditions needed for manned and unmanned aircraft to operate safely, to prevent collisions between drones and other aircraft, and to mitigate the risks of drone traffic on the ground. 

Drone flights with passengers

Commissioner for transport Adina Vălean said: “Drones are a clear part of the future transport and logistics landscape. There is vast potential when it comes to new cargo and delivery services, as well as other innovative applications, including drone flights with passengers on board in the future.

"This has clear added value in terms of achieving our decarbonisation, digitalisation and resilience ambitions, and the U-Space package is an important step towards creating the well-functioning, trusted and safe enabling environment that we need to develop a competitive EU drone services market.” 

The U-space package is included in the ‘Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy', laying the foundations for how the EU transport system can achieve its green and digital transformation and become more resilient to future crises.

The regulatory package will now enter into force in April and will become applicable as of 26 January 2023.  You can find more info here.