In Hungary, drone use is EU uniform rules and local authorities (e.g. Civil Aviation Authority, NMHH, Ministry of the Interior Department of State Aviation) is regulated by the provisions of the Regulations are expected to become more stringent in 2025, in particular in the areas of drone identification, airspace use and data protection.
Below I have collected the most important rules and changes.
1. Registration and identification of drones – Drone pilot registration is mandatory
What do you need to know?
- All drones over 250g and the person operating them must be registered within the EU, including in Hungary.
- Registration is On the National Aviation Authority (NAA) website happens.
- Operators are unique they receive a registration number, which must also be displayed on the drone.
Who is affected?
✅ All industrial and construction drone operators
✅ Those who use drones for mapping, surveillance, and aerial photography
✅ Those who operate larger (over 250 g) or drones without a camera but with a kinetic energy exceeding 79 J
‼ From 2025, remote identification (Remote ID) will be mandatory for all new drones!!
2. Airspace use and flight permits – introduction of U-Space in Hungary
Important change: "U-Space" may be introduced in Hungary from 2025
- The U-Space is a new automated air traffic management system, which makes it easier to get drones licensed and fly them safely.
- In larger cities (e.g. Budapest, Győr, Debrecen) there may be specially designated U-Space zones, where only registered and licensed drones can fly.
- Automated authorization is expected through the U-Space system, which can speed up access to airspace.
What does this mean for contractors and industrial drone users?
- Easier and faster access to airspace with industrial drones
- Greater regulation in urban and industrial areas
- Additional reporting requirements in certain areas
3. Categories and flight rules – what to look out for in 2025?
Drone use is According to EU regulations, it falls into three main categories::
Open category – most industrial and construction drones belong here
- C0-C4 class drones, meaning most commercial and industrial drones
- Maximum flight altitude: 120 meters
- It is forbidden to fly over people. (except with certain C0-C1 drones)
- No special permit required if you follow the basic rules
Special category (Specific) – flights requiring a permit
If your drone usage does not meet the Open category rules, you must request permission from the aviation authority. Such cases may include:
- Flying over a construction site in an urban environment
- Night flying with larger drones
- Automated, BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) flights
- New rules from 2025:
- Companies operating larger drones must apply for an operating permit
- Remote identification and prior authorization will be mandatory for BVLOS flights
- Drone operations in urban airspace must be documented in detail
4. Data protection and regulation of drone footage
Rules from 2025:
- All drone aerial photography must comply with GDPR regulations
- It is forbidden to film in areas where personal data (faces, license plates) may be recorded without permission.
- Construction surveys using drones may require prior permission.
In Hungary, drone use over military and government areas may be particularly strict!
What does this mean for industrial drone users and contractors?
- If you are conducting construction surveys or industrial drone flights, it is worth registering and checking airspace regulations in time!
- The U-Space system, to be introduced in 2025, could facilitate access to airspace, but could also require new permits.
- Remote identification of drones will be mandatory, so only drones with appropriate equipment can be flown legally.
- Due to GDPR and data protection regulations, it is worth paying attention to what drone footage you take and where you use it!