Drone filming Rotterdam
Construction, port and skyline from the air
Drone filming in Rotterdam and the surrounding area
Rotterdam calls for aerial footage. The Kop van Zuid skyline, the Erasmus Bridge, the Maas and the port only really come into their own from above. At the same time Rotterdam has a lot of airspace restrictions: a large part of the city lies in the control zone of Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and the port area has extra rules. Drone Chiefs flies in Rotterdam in the Specific category, under our own Operational Authorisation from the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). We arrange permission from air traffic control, coordination with landowners and the risk assessment. In Rotterdam we shot the aerial footage for Hazazah's Eredivisie campaign at the Erasmus Bridge, on a set of around sixty people. We filmed the skyline by day, in the snow and at night, and the Maasvlakte and Europoort for port companies. In Vlaardingen we filmed a renovation project for Elk Projecten. Also for shipping, terminals and shipyards: read more about our maritime drone filming.
Flying in the Rotterdam control zone
For a flight in the Rotterdam control zone we follow the procedure of Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL). We submit the mission plan via GoDrone no later than two days before the flight, before 10:00. For Rotterdam, provisional permission follows one working day in advance. During the flight we stay in radio contact with the tower.
From 26 November 2026 the Rotterdam control zone will also be divided into zones. Beyond roughly 5 kilometres from the airport, permission from the tower will then often no longer be needed.
• Construction and renovation projects, from housing estates to high-rise
• Real estate and area development, such as Kop van Zuid and the Merwe-Vierhavens area
• Corporate videos with the skyline and the Erasmus Bridge
• Industry and logistics in the port area
Frequently asked questions about drone filming in Rotterdam
Can you film with a drone in Rotterdam?
Yes, but a large part of the city lies in the control zone of Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and the port has extra rules. With a Specific authorisation and the right permission, a lot is possible.
Can you film in the port?
Yes. We fly in the Specific category, the only category allowed in Dutch seaports, and arrange permission for the take-off and landing site.
How far ahead should I book?
Allow at least a week, so we can submit the flight plan to LVNL and prepare the location.
Recent projects
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Showreel 2025
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Domino Printing showroom
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Euro Rijn Group // Brand video
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Elk Projecten
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Cartor, UK
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Blue Bricks // Event aftermovie
Where we film in Rotterdam
Rotterdam has one of the most recognisable skylines in the Netherlands. From above, a single shot tells the story of the city: the Maas, the bridges, the towers and the port.
• The Erasmus Bridge, the Willemsbrug and the Maas
• The skyline of Kop van Zuid, the Zalmhaven and Wilhelminaplein
• Hotel New York, the Veerhaven and the Scheepvaartkwartier
• Construction projects and new residential towers in the city centre
• The Port of Rotterdam, the Maasvlakte and Europoort
Because a large part of the city lies in the control zone of Rotterdam The Hague Airport, almost every flight in the centre needs permission from air traffic control. We arrange that.
Who we film for in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a city of building, business and events. We make aerial footage for:
• Developers and construction companies: progress footage and handover videos
• Estate agents and real estate: offices, residential towers and apartments overlooking the Maas
• Brands and agencies: commercials and campaigns with the skyline as a backdrop, like the Eredivisie campaign at the Erasmus Bridge
• Port and logistics companies: terminals, ships and cargo handling
• Events and festivals in and around the city
By day, in the evening and at night: with the full-frame DJI Inspire 3 the skyline stays sharp even in the dark.
Drone filming in the port
The Port of Rotterdam is one of the most requested, and most regulated, locations for aerial footage. According to the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Open category is not allowed in Dutch seaports: only professional operators in the Specific category may fly there.
Taking off and landing on port land requires permission from the Port Authority, and on company premises permission from the owner. We arrange this and inform the Harbour Coordination Centre where needed.
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.
