Where can I fly a drone in Riga — controlled airspace and city rules

Riga is where most people want to put up a drone, and where "can I fly here?" is the hardest question. Two reasons: the international airport nearby, which puts much of the city's airspace under control, and the density of people. Here is how to check, and where you can actually fly.

First, the same official map

The rule that covers all of Latvia also applies in Riga: the only official and legally binding source is the https://www.airspace.lv/drones/ map. You can also open it on our map page. A drone app's built-in map does not replace the official one.

Why Riga is stricter

Because of Riga International Airport, a large part of the airspace over the city is controlled. In practice that means many spots in Riga fall inside restrictive or prohibited UAS geographical zones. Where exactly the boundaries run is shown only by the official map, so always check the specific spot on airspace.lv before take-off.

The zone types and restrictions are reviewed in no-fly zones, and the whole checking logic is gathered in the where you can fly in Latvia hub.

Distances bite harder in a city

The Open-category baseline is especially noticeable in a city. The height is up to 120 m, and the flight is always within visual line of sight (VLOS). The distance from people depends on the subcategory: A1 (under 250 g) never over assemblies of people. A2 no closer than 30 m horizontally. A3 no closer than 150 m from residential and commercial areas. In dense development, holding 150 m from buildings is nearly impossible, so people usually fly light drones in A1 in the city. If you are unsure of your category, use the category chooser.

Important: a drone under 250 g eases the distance rules but does not exempt you from zones. Checking the map stays mandatory.

Coordinate the flight in advance

Since 2025-01-01, flights in UAS geographical zones must be filed in BGKIS before take-off, and some Riga zones additionally require coordination or notification. Coordination clears the specific zone restriction but does not waive the 120 m and VLOS.

A practical order for a Riga flight

Open airspace.lv/drones and find your spot.
Check the zone type and whether BGKIS is needed.
Make sure you keep the distances from people and buildings.
Check there is no event or gathering nearby.

For a quick address check, use the can I fly here calculator.

Fly in the city — knowing the rules

Confidence in Riga starts with understanding the rules, the zone map, and whether your drone or operation needs a certificate. If A1/A3 applies, online prep lives on the course page, and the whole beginner path is gathered in the step-by-step guide.

◇ Frequently asked questions

+Can I fly a drone in central Riga?

Often no, or only with coordination. Much of Riga's airspace is controlled because of the airport, and the exact spot may sit in a restrictive or prohibited zone. Check the airspace.lv/drones map for the precise answer.

+Can I fly a sub-250 g drone in Riga?

A lighter drone eases the distance rules but does not exempt you from zones. Even under 250 g, you must check the map in Riga first and file in BGKIS where required.

+Do I need permission to fly in Riga?

In UAS geographical zones, since 1 January 2025 the flight must be filed in BGKIS first, and some Riga zones require coordination or notification. Outside zones, a standard flight needs no permission.

+Where can I legally fly near Riga?

Spots outside the controlled zone, away from the airport, people, and protected areas, keeping to 120 m and VLOS. Always confirm the specific spot on the map before take-off.

+Can I film events and crowds?

No. In the Open category you may not fly over assemblies of people, so concerts, sports events, and demonstrations are off-limits regardless of the drone's weight.