Drone filming in controlled airspace (CTR)
How permission from air traffic control works
What is a CTR?
A CTR (Control Zone) is the controlled airspace around an airport. The Netherlands has five civil CTRs, around Schiphol, Rotterdam, Lelystad, Groningen Eelde and Maastricht, and eight military CTRs, including Eindhoven, Volkel and Gilze-Rijen. Large parts of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven, among others, lie within such a zone. If you want aerial filming in a CTR, you have to deal with the procedure of Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL). According to LVNL, the Open category is not allowed in a CTR: flights fall under the Specific or Certified category. On this page you can read how that works and what it means for planning your production.
How an LVNL request works
For a flight in a civil CTR we follow these steps, according to the LVNL procedure:
1. We submit a mission plan via GoDrone no later than two days before the flight, before 10:00.
2. LVNL can limit the number of simultaneous drone flights. If the maximum is reached, you may be asked to shift times.
3. One working day in advance, before 10:00, the final times are confirmed.
4. On the shoot day the tower gives final permission. During the flight we stay in radio contact with the tower.
For military CTRs we submit the mission plan at least 24 hours in advance. Above 120 metres or outside daylight hours a NOTAM is also required.
What changes on 26 November 2026?
From 26 November 2026 the civil CTRs will be divided into zones. Beyond roughly 5 kilometres from the airport, up to 120 metres, permission from the tower will then no longer be needed, not even in the Open category. Closer to the airport and above 120 metres, permission and radio contact remain required. Nothing changes for the military CTRs.
For clients this means that shoots can be scheduled more quickly in parts of the CTR. The rules for flying near people and buildings still apply, so most professional shoots in the city will remain Specific-category flights.
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Frequently asked questions about drone filming in a CTR
How far ahead should I book a shoot in a CTR?
Allow at least a week. The mission plan has to be with LVNL two days in advance, and we first do a location check and risk assessment.
Can a flight be refused at the last minute?
Yes. The tower can refuse or withdraw permission for safety reasons. In that case we schedule a new moment in consultation.
How do I know if my location is in a CTR?
LVNL's GoDrone app shows the zones. You can also simply send us the address and we'll check it straight away.
Get in touch for a no-obligation quote
Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation quote for aerial filming, FPV footage or a full video production.
Include the location of your project with your request. That way we can check straight away which airspace it falls in and whether extra permits or flight preparation are needed. Based on that we give you a clear quote. Productions start from €750.
It also helps to briefly describe the project and whether you only need aerial footage or a complete production including editing. Think corporate films, commercials, FPV footage or social media content.
That way we can think along quickly and send you a quote that fits your plans and your production.
