2026-02-27
Nanjing Introduces New Measures for Low-Altitude Safe Flight Operations
To guide drone users to conduct "safe flights" and ensure the safe and sound development of the low-altitude economy, eight municipal departments including the Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Transportation, Public Security Bureau, and Development and Reform Commission have recently jointly issued the *Interim Measures for the Safety Management of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Low-Altitude Flights in Nanjing* (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures"). The Measures will take effect on February 1, 2026 and remain valid until January 31, 2028.The new rules clearly define 11 categories of illegal flight activities, establish a full-process safety management system, and can provide convenient services for flight users through dedicated platforms and mini-programs.PART.01Key FeaturesClear Definition of "Illegal Flights". The Measures specify 11 categories of violations, including flying without real-name registration, operating without a valid license, and flying in controlled airspace without approval, making illegal flight behaviors clearly identifiable.Comprehensive Guidance for "Safe Flights". Comprising 7 chapters and 34 articles, the Measures establish a full-process service and management system for "safe flights", covering pre-flight preparations, airspace safety conditions, in-flight conduct, proactive safety prevention, and joint safety governance.Strong Emphasis on "Service-Oriented Flying". The Measures highlight Nanjing’s service support capabilities. Through an efficient military-civilian coordination mechanism and professional management service institutions, Nanjing provides full-process services for compliant low-altitude flights, including airspace and route applications, flight plan scheduling, convenient operations, operational identification, information consultation, and aeronautical information bulletins. In 2025, a total of 389,000 compliant flights were supported, totaling 85,000 hours.PART.02How to Fly Compliantly?Real-Name Registration. Complete real-name registration on the UOM Platform (https://uom.caac.gov.cn or the official mobile app) and the Nanjing Low-Altitude Flight Service Platform (www.njdk.org.cn).Licensed Operation. Drone operators shall hold a valid pilot license, except for those operating micro or light civil drones and conducting routine agricultural drone operations.Fly Within Authorized Airspace. Flight activities in controlled airspace must be approved by air traffic management authorities. Flights of micro, light, and small drones in eligible airspace do not require application.Comply with Altitude Limits