Night drone flights in Europe: rules and permissions

Updated on August 6, 2026. Always check the geozone and national rules before takeoff.

Yes, a drone can fly at night in Europe, including in some Open-category operations. Night flying does not automatically require permission on its own. It does, however, require thorough preparation: a compatible scenario, VLOS (visual line of sight), lighting, weather, and an authorized area.

The rules that really change at night

• In the Open category, a flashing green light must be switched on during night flights.
• The drone must remain in direct sight: darkness does not allow BVLOS.
• Maximum altitude, distances from people, CE classes, and geozones still apply.
• If your project goes beyond Open, you must follow the appropriate Specific procedure.

Prepare your drone before takeoff

Battery life, lighting, weather, and the zone map matter more at night. Equipment never replaces permission.

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Open: no automatic permission, but strict limits

Open covers low-risk operations, for leisure as well as some simple commercial activities. At night, you must keep the usual limits: max 120 m, VLOS, the right A1/A2/A3 subcategory, no restricted area, and no riskier scenario than allowed. The flashing green light helps you spot the drone; it is not permission. Start with C0 to C6 classes.

When do you need permission?

It becomes necessary when the scenario goes beyond Open: beyond visual line of sight, close to uninvolved people, a complex environment, or a local restriction. So the issue isn’t just the time of day. Near an airport or in a geozone, the official map always takes priority: see our guide to no-fly zones and airports.

Checklist before a night flight

1. Location: check the official geozone and any time restrictions.
2. Drone: check the CE class, batteries, flashing green light, and visibility.
3. Weather: fog, wind, and cold reduce your margins; don’t fly if you lose the ability to see and control the drone.
4. Mission: plan a simple route, a landing point, and an early return.
5. Responsibility: film people and public places with the necessary permissions; our guide to public places complements this check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need red and green lights?

The European Open framework calls for a flashing green light at night. Also check the drone manual and local rules.

Can you film fireworks?

Crowds, airspace, and the organizer make this a scenario that needs a thorough check: never take off based on this page alone.

Key takeaways

Night flying isn’t banned on its own, but it reduces your margins. Check your scenario, area, and visibility before adding the requirements specific to night flights. Sources: EASA Open, EASA Specific, and Regulation (EU) 2019/947.