More Drone Pilots, More Violations: Czech Authorities Report Rising Numbers

More and more people in the Czech Republic are taking the examination for drone pilots. At the same time, authorities are registering a growing number of violations of safety regulations.

The number of people holding a drone pilot licence in the Czech Republic continues to rise significantly. However, as reported by the Czech news channel ČT24, authorities are also recording an increasing number of breaches of the current regulations. Particularly common are unauthorised flights in restricted zones around Václav Havel Airport Prague and Prague Castle.

According to the Czech Civil Aviation Authority (ÚCL), almost 8,300 people obtained a drone pilot licence during the first nearly five months of this year alone. That is around 1,200 more than during the same period last year. “The number continues to grow steadily, and interest increases every year,” ÚCL spokeswoman Jitka Ungerová told the news channel.

In total, more than 86,000 people in the Czech Republic now hold a valid licence to operate drones. The authority recorded its largest increase so far last year, with almost 19,000 newly issued licences.

Only mini drones without cameras and weighing less than 250 grams may be operated without an examination. As soon as a drone is equipped with a camera or weighs more than 250 grams, both registration and a pilot examination become mandatory.

However, the growing number of drones is also leading to a rise in rule violations. Between 1 January and 30 April 2026 alone, the authority registered 131 reported violations recorded by the Czech police. Last year, a total of 342 cases were documented – the highest figure to date.

Drone pilots most frequently fly unlawfully in restricted areas. According to ÚCL, the areas most affected are the surroundings of Václav Havel Airport Prague and the LKP1 no-fly zone around Prague Castle. Drones may only be operated there with the explicit permission of the relevant authorities.