Green zone
Airspace up to 400 ft (120 m) above ground that is not marked red or yellow. No flight permission is needed, though you must still follow the rules.
Drone rules
Drone no-fly zones in India: green, yellow and red explained.
By the NVX engineering team, New Delhi · 22 October 2026 · 5 min read
India's airspace is divided into green, yellow and red zones for drones. Knowing which zone you are in decides whether you can fly freely, need permission or cannot fly at all. Always check the official airspace map on Digital Sky before every flight.
The three zones
As defined under the Drone Rules, 2021.
Airports: the 8-12 km band
Between 8 and 12 km from an operational airport's perimeter, the green-zone ceiling drops to 200 ft (60 m).
Yellow zone
Controlled airspace, including above the green-zone limits and near airports (up to 12 km from the perimeter). Needs permission from the air traffic control authority.
Red zone
No-fly areas where drones may operate only in exceptional cases with Central Government permission, such as around sensitive installations.
How to check before you fly
Open the airspace map on the Digital Sky platform, find your exact location and check the zone and height limit. Zones can be updated, and temporary restrictions may apply during events or VIP movement, so check on the day you fly.
Good habits for every flight
Beyond the zones.
Keep the drone in sight
Fly within visual line of sight unless specifically permitted otherwise.
Respect privacy
Avoid flying over people's homes and gatherings without consent.
Stay away from crowds
Do not fly over crowds, roads with traffic or emergency scenes.
Check the weather
Wind and rain cause most crashes we repair.
FAQ
Drone No-Fly Zones India: common questions
Where can I fly a drone in India?
In green zones up to 400 ft without permission, following the Drone Rules. Yellow zones need air traffic control permission and red zones are no-fly areas.
Can I fly a drone near an airport in India?
Within 12 km of an operational airport's perimeter, the airspace is restricted. Between 8 and 12 km the green-zone limit is 200 ft; closer is generally yellow zone needing permission. Check the official map.
Can I fly a drone in Delhi?
Large parts of central Delhi are restricted, especially around government and security areas. Always check the Digital Sky airspace map for your exact location.
What is the maximum height for a drone in India?
In green zones you can fly up to 400 ft (120 m) above ground without permission, reduced to 200 ft in the 8-12 km band around airports.
Do I need permission to fly a drone in a yellow zone?
Yes. Yellow zone flights need permission from the relevant air traffic control authority.
Talk to NVX
Questions about drones? Ask the team that builds them.
Call +91 95609 21619, message us on WhatsApp, or visit us in Connaught Place, New Delhi.
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