Romania has many prohibited or restricted zones for drone operations. Some are permanent (geo-zones), others appear temporarily via NOTAM. As a UAS pilot, you must know them and check the map before every flight — there is no static list you can memorize.
Main categories of no-fly zones
Airports and CTR/TMA areas
Airspace around international and regional airports is strictly controlled. Flying without ATC coordination or authorization is prohibited and extremely dangerous.
Examples of airports with extensive restrictions: Bucharest (Henri Coandă, Băneasa), Cluj, Timișoara, Iași, Constanța, Sibiu, Bacău, Craiova.
Military bases and installations
MoD zones are protected by law. Unauthorized flight can lead to:
- immediate intervention
- equipment confiscation
- criminal penalties in serious cases
MoD clearance is mandatory where the map indicates it.
Sites of national interest
The Palace of Parliament, government headquarters, critical energy facilities, bridges, and vital infrastructure — usually included in restricted zones or subject to special requirements.
National parks and nature reserves
Many protected areas prohibit or limit drone flight to protect wildlife and visitor peace. Check the specific park regulations — CARA, Retezat, Danube Delta, etc.
Dense urban areas (conditional)
City centres may have partial restrictions or require subcategory A2 / authorizations. Do not assume that “it is a city, so I can fly over apartment blocks.”
Temporary zones (NOTAM)
Even if a location is normally permitted, a NOTAM can prohibit it temporarily:
- official visits (VIP)
- sports events or concerts
- military exercises
- work on airspace infrastructure
Check NOTAM on the day of flight.
How to identify zones on the map
- Open the ROMATSA UAS map or Drone Log
- Look for red / orange polygons (prohibited / conditional)
- Enable the NOTAM layer
- Read the legend — colours may indicate different restriction types
- If unclear, do not fly until you clarify with the competent authority
Verification guide: How to check UAS zones
“De facto” no-fly areas (even when the map is green)
Even where the map shows no explicit restriction, avoid:
- flying over crowds
- approaching accidents / fires (interference with emergency response)
- flying near hospitals / schools without agreement
- over private property without consent (civil legal issues)
Consequences
Flying in prohibited zones leads to fines, confiscation, and possible criminal proceedings. Details: Drone fines in Romania.
Practical tips
- Plan the location outside coloured zones on the map
- Keep a safety margin from polygon boundaries
- When travelling to other cities, re-check — local rules may differ
- Use the flight log to document your verification
Conclusion
There is no shortcut: check the official map every time. No-fly zones protect aviation, sensitive installations, and the public. As a responsible pilot, your role is to know them, respect them, and obtain the clearances required where flight is possible with authorization.