Green zone
Up to 400 ft (120 m) where the map shows no red or yellow zone. No flight permission is needed, though a drone above 250 g still needs its registration (UIN).
Drone rules
Can you fly a drone in Delhi?
By the NVX engineering team, New Delhi · 29 October 2026 · 6 min read
Yes, but only in green-zone airspace and only when no Delhi Police ban is in force. Much of Delhi sits near IGI Airport or in restricted central areas, and the police ban all drones across the NCT before Republic Day, Independence Day and major summits. Check the Digital Sky airspace map and the latest police orders on the day you plan to fly.
Delhi's airspace: green, yellow and red zones
The Drone Rules, 2021 split all Indian airspace into three colours, shown on the interactive map on the Digital Sky platform. Delhi has all three, often within a few kilometres of each other.
Yellow zone near airports
Controlled airspace up to 12 km from an operational airport's perimeter. Between 8 and 12 km from the perimeter you may fly without permission, but only up to 200 ft.
Red zone
No-drone airspace where flights need Central Government permission. Sensitive areas such as parts of central New Delhi fall here. Check the exact boundary on the map, not by guesswork.
Zones change
Temporary red and yellow zones can be added. Open the map on the day of the flight, not the week before.
City-wide bans by Delhi Police
On top of the airspace map, the Delhi Police Commissioner issues orders under Section 163 of the BNSS that ban drones, quadcopters, paragliders and other small aerial platforms across the whole NCT of Delhi for set periods. Breaking one is punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Republic Day
An order is issued every January ahead of Republic Day. The dates change each year, so check the current order.
Independence Day
In 2026 the ban ran from 2 to 16 August, both days inclusive.
Summits and big events
Separate orders cover events such as the BRICS Summit (10-14 September 2026) and earlier the G20 Summit.
Where to check
Orders are published in the news and on notice boards at police stations and DCP offices. If you are not sure, do not fly.
Your checklist before flying in Delhi
Run through this list before every flight in the city.
1. Know your drone's category
Nano drones (up to 250 g) are the simplest. Heavier drones need a UIN on Digital Sky, and you may need a remote pilot certificate depending on the category and use.
2. Check the airspace map
Confirm the exact take-off spot is green, and note the height limit if you are 8-12 km from an airport.
3. Check for a police ban
Especially from January to mid-February, in early August and around big events.
4. Get the landowner's consent
Parks, farms, housing societies and venues have their own rules. Ask first.
5. Respect people and privacy
Do not fly over crowds, roads or neighbours' homes, and keep the drone in sight.
What we tell customers in Connaught Place
Our store is in Connaught Place, close to central New Delhi's restricted airspace, so customers often ask us about it. Our advice is the same each time: do not take a newly bought or newly repaired drone up in central Delhi. Test it in a confirmed green zone, at low height, after checking for police orders. When a drone refuses to take off in central Delhi, the cause is often not a fault at all. The drone's geofence is doing its job, and the restriction it shows is real.
FAQ
Fly a Drone in Delhi: common questions
Do I need permission to fly a drone in Delhi?
Not in a green zone, unless a Delhi Police ban is in force. Yellow zones need permission from air traffic control, and red zones need Central Government permission. Check the Digital Sky map for your spot.
Can I fly a drone near IGI Airport?
Within 8 km of the airport perimeter you need permission. Between 8 and 12 km you may fly without permission, but only up to 200 ft.
Can I fly my drone around my neighbourhood in Delhi?
Only if your area is a green zone and no police ban applies, and even then keep away from people, roads and other homes. Many residential areas are near the airport or the restricted centre, so check the map first.
Can I fly a DJI drone without a licence in Delhi?
Nano drones and micro drones flown for non-commercial use need no remote pilot certificate. All other categories need one. Airspace rules and police bans apply to every drone, whatever the brand.
When are drones banned in Delhi?
Delhi Police issues city-wide bans around Republic Day, Independence Day and major summits. Dates change each year, so check the latest order before you fly.
What is the penalty for flying a drone illegally?
Under the Drone Rules, 2021, penalties go up to ₹1 lakh. Breaking a Delhi Police order is a separate offence under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
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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