Drone Rules India 2024: What You Need to Know Before Flying

When you fly a drone, a remotely piloted aircraft used for photography, delivery, or recreation. Also known as UAV, it’s become a go-to tool for photographers, filmmakers, and hobbyists across India. But flying one isn’t as simple as turning it on. In 2024, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the government body that regulates all civil aviation, including drones has strict rules that apply to everyone—from professionals to weekend flyers. Ignore them, and you could face fines, confiscation, or worse.

If you’re bringing a drone into India, whether from Dubai, the US, or anywhere else, you need to know about customs duty, the tax applied when importing goods into the country. The government treats drones as electronic devices with high value, so you’ll pay up to 18% GST plus additional import charges. And it’s not just about paying—it’s about paperwork. You need a valid NPNT certificate, a mandatory digital permit proving your drone is registered and compliant with Indian airspace rules. Without it, your drone won’t even clear airport security.

What about flying it? You can’t just take off anywhere. The DGCA divides Indian airspace into green, yellow, and red zones. Most residential areas are yellow—you need permission to fly there. Red zones, like airports and military bases, are completely off-limits. Even if you’re just snapping photos of the Taj Mahal or Mumbai skyline, you’re breaking the law if you don’t check the UAS Traffic Management Portal. And don’t assume your airline will tell you the rules. Each carrier has its own drone hand luggage policy, the set of rules for carrying drones and batteries on flights within India. Some won’t let you carry a drone in your carry-on at all if the battery is over 100Wh. Others require you to declare it at check-in.

And batteries? They’re the real headache. Lithium batteries can’t go in checked luggage. You must carry them in your hand baggage, with each one properly insulated and labeled. If you’re flying with multiple drones or spare batteries, you’re looking at strict limits—usually no more than two batteries over 100Wh. That’s why many photographers fly with just one drone and one spare, packed carefully.

Commercial users? You need a UAS Operator Permit. Even if you’re shooting a wedding or a corporate event, if you’re getting paid, you’re operating commercially. That means extra training, insurance, and registration. There’s no gray area here. The DGCA has cracked down hard since 2021, and 2024 is no different. They’re using radar, apps, and even AI to detect illegal drones.

So what’s in this collection? You’ll find real, practical guides on how to bring a drone to India without getting stuck at customs, how to pack it for flights without breaking airline rules, and what documents you absolutely must have before you even think about turning on the motors. Whether you’re a wedding photographer, a travel vlogger, or just someone who loves aerial shots, these posts cut through the confusion and give you exactly what you need to fly smart, not sorry.