Check2FlyEuropean drone flight rules at a glance

Southern Europe

Albania

Albania applies rules based on EU Regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945, in force since July 2022. Before flying, check the operation categories, the 120 m limit, the VLOS rule and the airspace restrictions published by the AAC and Albcontrol; if a flight does not fall within the open category, prior AAC approval in the specific category is required.

Altitude: 120 m AGLRegistration: May be required depending on the operation or aircraft.

Flight rules

Quick overview for this country

This is a short overview of the most important requirements. Always confirm details and exceptions in official sources.

Registration requiredYes, depending on the operation or equipment.

Training requiredYes, often needed for compliance in the open category.

Maximum altitude120 m AGL

Camera / registration noteOperator registration with the AAC is required for drones of 250 g or more and for lighter drones fitted with a camera or another sensor that collects personal data. The AAC also states that an operator may be registered in only one country at a time, and that in Albania only residents of Albania or companies whose principal activity is based there can register.

Local points to double-check

Do not fly higher than 120 m above the surface and keep the drone within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times. The minimum operator age is generally 16, except for supervised flights.
Do not fly over crowds; in subcategory A3 keep 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
For a C2 drone in A2, generally keep 30 m from uninvolved people, or 5 m in low-speed mode if the aircraft allows it. A2 requires practical self-training and a theoretical exam at the AAC.
Drones under 250 g are still subject to the altitude limit, the VLOS rule and airspace restrictions; the registration exemption does not apply to units with a camera. For drones under 250 g a pilot test is not required, but the AAC recommends it.
The operator ID and operator certificate are issued for 3 years. The operator number must be placed on every drone used.
Before take-off, check prohibited zones, temporary restrictions and the vicinity of airports and heliports in AAC and Albcontrol publications. Flights outside the open category require prior AAC approval.

Pre-flight checklist

Check everything before takeoff

Tick off the steps to verify the most important points before the flight.

0/6 done

Step 1Check with the AAC whether your flight profile falls within the open category or requires prior AAC approval for an operation in the specific category.Step 2Verify whether the operator can be registered in Albania. If you are neither a resident of Albania nor a company operating in Albania, do not assume that local registration will be available to you.Step 3If the drone weighs 250 g or more, confirm the required A1/A3 remote pilot competency; for A2 account for the additional requirements and the AAC exam.Step 4Check that the operator number is correctly placed on the drone and that the registration or its renewal is still valid.Step 5Open the Albcontrol AIP and check the airspace restrictions for the exact take-off location and any time-based restrictions.Step 6Confirm safe distances from people, buildings and airports, and refrain from flying over gatherings.

Official sources

Where to confirm current information

Open the authority or official flight map to confirm zones and current restrictions.

Authority websiteAlbanian Civil Aviation AuthorityOpen source Flight mapAlbcontrol AIP / ograniczenia przestrzeniOpen source

Information sources

AAC: drone rules AAC: remote pilot A1/A3 certificates AAC: operator registration and operator ID Albcontrol AIP and airspace information

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Important

Check2Fly provides a simplified overview and does not replace official aviation regulations or current airspace data. Always verify local restrictions in official sources before flying.