No-Fly Zones India: What You Can and Can't Do with Drones

When you’re planning to fly a drone in India, you’re not just dealing with weather or battery life—you’re navigating no-fly zones India, areas where drone operation is legally banned or restricted by the government to protect security, privacy, and public safety. Also known as restricted airspace, these zones include airports, military bases, border areas, and even some government buildings. Ignoring them isn’t just risky—it can land you in serious trouble, from fines to having your drone seized.

These restrictions aren’t random. They’re tied to real laws enforced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s official body that regulates all civil aviation activities, including unmanned aerial vehicles like drones. Also known as Indian aviation authority, the DGCA sets the rules for who can fly, where, and with what kind of permit. If you’re bringing a drone from Dubai or shipping one from abroad, you need more than just a good camera—you need a NPNT certificate, a mandatory digital clearance that proves your drone is registered and compliant with Indian airspace rules. Also known as No Permission No Takeoff, this system blocks your drone from turning on unless it’s verified in the government’s database. Without it, your drone won’t even power up in India.

And it’s not just about airports. No-fly zones cover places you might not expect: national parks like Jim Corbett, major public events like political rallies, and even areas near the India-Pakistan border. Even if you’re just taking photos for your wedding or a travel vlog, flying over a crowded street or a temple complex could be illegal. Many photographers assume that if they can see the spot from the ground, they can fly over it. That’s a dangerous mistake.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical guides based on what people actually run into when flying drones in India. From how to check if a location is restricted using the DGCA’s UAS portal, to what happens if you get caught, to how to apply for a permit for commercial shoots—every post is built from real experiences. You’ll learn how to avoid fines, how to pack your drone for flights, and where the safest spots are for capturing aerial shots in cities like Mumbai or Delhi. No theory. No fluff. Just what works in India right now.