New UK Drone Rules to Take Effect from January 2026

The Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed that a series of new rules and regulatory changes affecting drone and model aircraft operators will come into force from 1 January 2026.

The updated framework is designed to reflect the rapid growth in drone use across the UK and to improve safety, accountability and public confidence as airspace becomes increasingly busy.

Among the most significant changes is the introduction of new class marks and product standards for unmanned aircraft systems. These class marks will make it clearer what individual drones are capable of and where they can legally operate. Operators using class marked aircraft will benefit from simpler rules and, in some cases, greater operational flexibility.

New requirements will also apply to night flying. From January 2026, any drone or model aircraft flown after dark must be fitted with a green flashing light, which must be switched on throughout the flight. The measure is intended to improve visibility and reduce the risk of incidents during low light operations.

Changes are also being introduced around pilot competency. Anyone flying a drone or model aircraft weighing 100 grams or more will be required to pass the relevant test and obtain a Flyer ID before operating. This applies across recreational and commercial use and is aimed at ensuring operators understand the rules of the air.

Remote identification will become mandatory for certain aircraft. All UK class marked drones, including UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6 categories, will be required to broadcast the operator’s Remote ID and associated information while flying. This requirement will be extended further from 1 January 2028, when legacy drones that are not UK class marked, model aircraft and privately built drones will also need to comply.

In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority will take on a new role as the UK’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Market Surveillance Authority. In this capacity, it will be responsible for checking that drones and related systems sold in the UK meet required safety standards, with powers to take enforcement action where products fall short.

The CAA says the changes are intended to keep people and property safe while supporting the continued growth of the drone sector. Updated guidance covering all of the new rules is now available on the authority’s website, with further information provided for operators and stakeholders ahead of the 2026 implementation date.