Can You Fly a Drone in Kolkata? Airspace, Permissions and Rules

If you are planning to fly a drone in Kolkata, the first question should not be “Which drone should I buy?”

It should be:

“Am I legally and safely allowed to fly at this location?”

Kolkata is a major metropolitan area with an international airport, controlled airspace and several locations where additional restrictions may apply. As a result, you cannot assume that a drone can be flown simply because the flight is below the usual altitude limit or because the drone is small.

The drone flying rules in Kolkata depend on several factors, including:

Exact flight location
Airspace zone
Drone category
Pilot certification
Purpose of the flight
Applicable permissions
Airport proximity
Temporary restrictions
Safety requirements

The most important rule is simple:

Check the current DigitalSky airspace status for the exact location before every flight.

DGCA’s current guidance specifically tells Remote Pilot Certificate holders to check airspace on DigitalSky before every flight. It also distinguishes between operations in green, yellow and red zones.

So, can you fly a drone in Kolkata?

Yes, potentially—but not everywhere, and not without checking the applicable airspace and operating requirements.

What Are the Drone Flying Rules in Kolkata?

The rules for flying drones in Kolkata are based primarily on India’s national drone regulations and the airspace classification shown through the DigitalSky platform.

The exact location matters.

One part of Kolkata may be available for an operation under the applicable rules, while another location may require permission or may be prohibited.

Before flying, you should check:

The exact coordinates of the proposed flight
The DigitalSky airspace zone
Whether the location is close to an airport
Whether any temporary restriction is active
Whether your pilot certification is applicable
Whether your drone meets the applicable requirements
Whether additional site permissions are necessary

The airspace map is dynamic, so checking it once when you purchase the drone is not enough.

Check it again before the actual flight.

DigitalSky Airspace & Flight Planning Platform

Is Drone Flying Allowed in Kolkata?

Drone flying is allowed in parts of Kolkata, subject to the applicable airspace zone, drone and pilot requirements, and other restrictions.

There is no simple rule saying that the entire city is either “allowed” or “not allowed.”

DigitalSky divides UAS airspace into three primary zones:

Airspace Zone	What It Means
Green Zone	Drone operations are permitted without prior permission, subject to applicable rules
Yellow Zone	Permission from the concerned Air Traffic Control authority is required
Red Zone	Highly restricted airspace where operations require Central Government permission

The current DigitalSky platform defines green, yellow and red zones and provides a flight-planning process for checking and submitting flight requests where approval is required.

Therefore, the same drone can potentially be operated at one Kolkata location but not at another.

What Are Green, Yellow and Red Drone Zones?

Understanding these three zones is essential if you want to follow the drone flying rules in Kolkata correctly.

What Is a Green Zone?

A Green Zone is airspace where UAS operations are permitted without prior permission, subject to the applicable Drone Rules and operating requirements.

DigitalSky currently defines green-zone airspace up to 400 feet or 120 metres where it has not been designated as yellow or red. It also provides a specific 200-foot/60-metre green-zone provision in the area between 8 km and 12 km from an operational airport.

However, green does not mean:

“Anything goes.”

You still need to follow applicable requirements relating to:

Pilot certification
Drone registration
Drone type certification where applicable
Visual line of sight
Safety
Weather
Privacy
Insurance
Operating limits

DGCA’s current public guidance explicitly says that RPC holders can fly in a green zone without permission while complying with the Drone Rules and applicable DGCA requirements.

What Is a Yellow Zone?

A Yellow Zone is restricted airspace where permission from the concerned Air Traffic Control authority is required.

DigitalSky identifies yellow zones as restricted airspace requiring ATC permission.

If your proposed Kolkata flight falls into a yellow zone, do not treat the flight as automatically permitted simply because your drone is registered or you have an RPC.

The airspace requirement is separate from your pilot qualification.

What Is a Red Zone?

A Red Zone is highly restricted airspace.

DigitalSky currently defines red zones as areas where UAS operations are permitted only by the Central Government.

DGCA’s current guidance also states that pilots should not fly in red or yellow zones without the appropriate permission.

For most ordinary drone users, a red-zone location should therefore be treated as:

Do not fly unless the required authority has specifically authorised the operation.

Is Kolkata Airport a No-Drone Area?

The area around Kolkata’s airport has significant drone restrictions.

The current AAI Aeronautical Information Publication procedure for civil remotely piloted aircraft states that RPA operations are not permitted within 5 km of the perimeter of Kolkata airport, along with Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports.

This is one of the most important points to understand when planning a drone flight in Kolkata.

You should not simply look at a map and estimate whether your location is “near” the airport.

Instead:

Enter the exact flight location into the DigitalSky system and check the applicable airspace.

The current AAI information also recognises additional restrictions around operational aerodromes and other protected areas.

Can You Fly a Drone Near Kolkata Airport?

You should not assume that you can.

The current AAI published RPAS procedures specify a 5 km restriction from the perimeter of Kolkata airport.

Areas farther from the airport can also be affected by the airport’s surrounding airspace structure.

DigitalSky’s current definitions provide special altitude treatment for the 8–12 km area around operational airports, which is another reason why airport proximity should be checked using the official airspace map rather than estimated manually.

The practical rule is:

Near airport → Check DigitalSky → Determine zone → Obtain applicable permission if required → Fly only if permitted

Never rely only on a physical distance measurement.

Do You Need Permission to Fly a Drone in Kolkata?

It depends on the airspace zone and the specific operation.

Green Zone

Prior permission is generally not required for operations in a designated green zone, subject to compliance with the applicable rules.

Yellow Zone

Permission from the concerned ATC authority is required.

Red Zone

Operations require Central Government permission under the DigitalSky zone framework.

Therefore, the answer is not simply:

“Yes, permission is required for every drone flight.”

Nor is it:

“No, drones can fly without permission.”

The correct answer depends on the exact location and applicable airspace classification.

How Do You Check Whether Your Kolkata Location Is Safe for Drone Flying?

The safest approach is to check the official DigitalSky platform before the flight.

Step 1: Identify the Exact Location

Get the exact site coordinates or location.

Do not rely only on:

Area name
Locality
PIN code
Google Maps neighbourhood
Approximate distance

A few kilometres can make a significant difference to airspace classification.

Step 2: Check DigitalSky

Use the airspace map or flight-planning functionality.

DigitalSky provides an interactive airspace environment for identifying the applicable zone.

Step 3: Check the Zone

Determine whether the location falls within:

Green
Yellow
Red

Step 4: Check for Restrictions

Look for:

Airport restrictions
Temporary restrictions
Prohibited areas
Restricted areas
Strategic locations
Military installations
Other notified restrictions

Step 5: Confirm Your Pilot Requirements

Make sure your pilot certification is applicable to the drone and operation.

Step 6: Confirm Drone Compliance

Check:

Registration/UIN where applicable
Type certification where applicable
Equipment requirements
Insurance

Step 7: Fly Only After Everything Is Confirmed

Do not take off simply because the drone powers on and the application allows you to start the motors.

What Other Areas in Kolkata Can Have Drone Restrictions?

Airport proximity is not the only factor.

The current AAI published RPAS procedures list restrictions involving:

Operational airports
Military installations and facilities
Strategic/vital installations
State Secretariat complexes in state capitals
Permanent and temporary prohibited/restricted/danger areas
Temporary reserved areas
Temporarily segregated areas
Eco-sensitive zones around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries

The current AAI eAIP specifically lists, among other restrictions, 3 km from military installations and facilities, 2 km from notified strategic/vital installations, and 3 km from State Secretariat complexes in state capitals.

This is why checking only the airport distance is not enough.

A location that looks suitable on a normal map may still have an aviation or security restriction.

Are Temporary Drone Restrictions Possible in Kolkata?

Yes.

Drone airspace restrictions can change because of temporary operational, security or aviation requirements.

DigitalSky is designed as a dynamic airspace system, and the official Drone Rules provide for temporary restrictions and changes in airspace zoning.

Temporary restrictions can become relevant during situations such as:

Major events
VIP movements
Security operations
Emergency situations
Aviation activity
Government notifications
Other temporary restrictions

This means:

A location that was available last month may not necessarily be available today.

For professional pilots, this is one of the most important habits to develop.

Check the airspace on the day of the flight.

What Is the Maximum Height for Drone Flying in Kolkata?

For general civil RPAS operations, the published AAI procedures state that operations are restricted to below 400 feet AGL, subject to applicable airspace and operational restrictions.

However, you should not interpret this as:

“I can fly up to 400 feet anywhere in Kolkata.”

The applicable airspace zone may impose a lower operating limit.

DigitalSky currently specifies a lower 200-foot/60-metre green-zone ceiling for the relevant area between 8 km and 12 km from an operational airport.

Therefore:

400 feet is not a universal permission to fly at that altitude.

The exact location and airspace classification must always be considered.

Do You Need a Drone Licence to Fly in Kolkata?

People commonly search for “drone licence”, but the current DGCA terminology uses the Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) for applicable remote-pilot certification.

DGCA’s current public guidance states that RPC holders should:

Hold a valid RPC for the applicable category/sub-category/class
Fly applicable type-certified and registered drones
Check DigitalSky before every flight
Stay within Visual Line of Sight
Follow applicable airspace restrictions
Maintain valid third-party insurance

It also states that pilots should not fly without a valid RPC where one is applicable.

The exact certification requirement depends on the drone and operation.

Therefore, if you are planning professional drone operations, you should identify the applicable pilot certification before accepting or conducting the flight.

What Is an RPC?

RPC stands for Remote Pilot Certificate.

It is associated with the individual remote pilot.

This is different from drone registration.

Think of it as:

RPC → Pilot

UIN/Registration → Drone

DGCA’s current RPC records identify the pilot and the category, sub-category and class associated with the certificate.

This distinction is particularly important for commercial drone operators.

Having a registered drone does not automatically make someone a certified remote pilot.

Similarly, having an RPC does not mean the pilot can operate every type of drone in every location.

Do You Need to Register Your Drone?

For drones subject to registration requirements, the aircraft needs the applicable registration/UIN.

DGCA’s current guidance tells RPC holders to fly only DGCA type-certified and registered drones with a UIN.

There is also an important current regulatory update:

DGCA currently states that registration of non-type-certified (non-TC) UAS has been temporarily suspended until further notice.

Therefore, before buying a drone for professional work in Kolkata, check:

Whether the drone is type-certified where applicable
Whether it can be registered
Whether it has the necessary identification
Whether it is suitable for your intended operation

Do not purchase equipment first and investigate compliance later.

Can You Fly a Small Drone in Kolkata Without an RPC?

The answer depends on the applicable drone category and operating conditions.

Certain exemptions and specific operating conditions exist within India’s drone framework, particularly for certain nano and micro operations.

However, you should not assume that:

“Small drone = no certificate required.”

Nor should you assume:

“Small drone = automatically legal everywhere.”

The pilot, aircraft, airspace and operation all need to be considered together.

DGCA’s current public guidance is particularly clear that RPC holders should operate only within the category, sub-category and class endorsed on their certificate.

If you are planning professional or commercial drone operations, confirm the applicable requirement with the relevant DGCA framework or authorised RPTO before flying.

Can You Fly a Drone for Commercial Work in Kolkata?

Commercial drone operations are possible where the applicable regulatory and airspace requirements are satisfied.

However, commercial work requires more planning than casual recreational flying.

For example, a company hiring you for:

Real estate photography
Construction documentation
Surveying
Mapping
Inspection
Infrastructure monitoring

may expect you to demonstrate professional compliance.

You may need to provide information such as:

Pilot certification
Drone details
UIN
Insurance
Company details
Project scope
Safety documentation
Permissions

DGCA’s current guidance also states that recreational drones should not be used for commercial purposes.

Therefore, professional drone work should be treated as a regulated operational activity rather than simply a paid version of recreational flying.

What Are the Basic Safety Rules for Drone Flying in Kolkata?

Following the airspace rules is only one part of safe operation.

DGCA’s current public guidance tells RPC holders to maintain Visual Line of Sight, maintain safe distance from people and property, conduct pre-flight checks, follow OEM maintenance requirements, operate within permitted weather conditions and maintain valid third-party insurance.

Before flying, check:

1. Weather

Avoid operating when weather conditions exceed the drone’s permitted operating limits.

2. Visibility

Maintain the required visual awareness of the aircraft.

3. People

Avoid creating unnecessary risks to people on the ground.

4. Buildings

Maintain safe separation from property and structures.

5. Obstacles

Check:

Buildings
Trees
Towers
Wires
Cranes
Poles

6. Battery

Confirm adequate battery capacity before starting the mission.

7. Aircraft Condition

Perform the manufacturer’s recommended pre-flight checks.

8. Emergency Planning

Know what you will do if:

GPS becomes unreliable
Communication is interrupted
Battery drops unexpectedly
Weather changes
An obstacle enters the flight path

A legal flight can still be unsafe if the pilot ignores operational risk.

Can You Fly a Drone at Night in Kolkata?

Do not assume that a green-zone location automatically makes night flying permissible.

Night operations can involve additional operational and training considerations, and the applicable rules, aircraft capabilities and approvals must be checked for the specific operation.

The current DGCA framework includes night-flying content within relevant remote-pilot training programmes, while the AAI published RPAS procedures contain operational provisions relating to daylight operations.

Therefore, if your project involves a night flight, verify the current applicable requirements before planning the operation.

Do not treat:

“The DigitalSky map is green”

as the only requirement for a night flight.

Can You Fly a Drone Over People in Kolkata?

You should not treat people as simply another object on the ground.

Drone operations must be planned to minimise risks to people and property.

DGCA’s current public guidance specifically tells RPC holders to maintain a safe distance from people and property.

This becomes particularly important in a densely populated city like Kolkata.

Avoid planning flights where an aircraft malfunction could result in the drone falling directly into:

Crowds
Roads
Markets
Public gatherings
Residential areas
Busy commercial areas

Even if the airspace itself appears available, the proposed flight still needs to be operationally safe.

Do Privacy Rules Apply to Drone Flying in Kolkata?

Yes.

Drone operators should respect people’s privacy while collecting aerial imagery.

DGCA’s current guidance specifically instructs RPC holders to respect citizens’ privacy.

This matters particularly when using cameras capable of capturing detailed images of:

Homes
Balconies
Private property
People
Offices
Residential areas

If you are conducting commercial photography, inspection or mapping, make sure the scope of your imagery is appropriate for the project.

A technically successful drone flight can still create problems if the operator ignores privacy considerations.

Do You Need Insurance to Fly a Drone in Kolkata?

DGCA’s current public guidance tells RPC holders to ensure that valid third-party insurance is in place for the UAS.

For professional operators, insurance is particularly important because drone operations can involve:

Property
People
Vehicles
Buildings
Infrastructure

Before accepting commercial work, check that your insurance is appropriate for the type of operation you intend to conduct.

Do not assume that a personal or recreational policy automatically covers commercial drone work.

What Documents Should a Professional Drone Pilot Keep?

If you are operating professionally in Kolkata, maintain an organised documentation folder.

Pilot Documents

Remote Pilot Certificate
Government ID
Training records
Relevant endorsements

Drone Documents

Drone model
Serial number
UIN where applicable
Type certification information where applicable
Purchase invoice

Insurance

Third-party insurance
Policy details
Renewal information

Project Documents

Client brief
Site information
Flight plan
Permissions
Risk assessment
Flight records
Deliverables

Keeping these documents organised can make project execution much easier.

What Should You Check Before Every Drone Flight in Kolkata?

Use this simple checklist.

Airspace

Exact location identified
DigitalSky checked
Zone confirmed
Temporary restrictions checked
Airport proximity checked
Additional restricted areas checked

Pilot

Appropriate RPC available where required
Endorsement matches the drone
Pilot is fit to operate

Drone

Registration/UIN checked where applicable
Type certification checked where applicable
Batteries charged
Propellers inspected
Firmware/status checked
Equipment functioning correctly

Site

Take-off location assessed
Obstacles identified
People and property assessed
Emergency landing area considered
Site/client permission confirmed

Safety

Weather checked
Visibility suitable
VLOS maintained
Safe distance maintained
Insurance valid

Only after these checks should the flight begin.

What Happens If You Fly a Drone in a Restricted Area?

Flying in a restricted area without the required permission can create serious regulatory and safety issues.

The consequences can depend on:

Nature of the violation
Location
Drone type
Operational circumstances
Security implications
Applicable law
Whether the restriction was temporary or permanent

This is why a professional operator should never rely on:

“Other people are flying here, so it must be allowed.”

Someone else’s flight does not establish that your flight is legal.

Always verify the current status yourself.

Can You Fly a Drone for a Wedding or Event in Kolkata?

Potentially, but the event location must be assessed before the flight.

This is especially important for:

Weddings
Concerts
Festivals
Political events
Corporate events
Public gatherings

The main concerns include:

Airspace
Crowds
Security
Privacy
Temporary restrictions
Safe operating area

A venue may be available for normal activities but unsuitable for drone operations.

For an event shoot, check the location well before the scheduled date and re-check the applicable airspace closer to the flight.

Can Real Estate Companies Use Drones in Kolkata?

Yes, drone photography can be useful for:

Residential projects
Commercial properties
Land parcels
Construction sites
Development projects

But the property location must first be checked against the applicable airspace restrictions.

For example, a real estate project located near Kolkata airport may face very different operational constraints from one located farther away.

The correct workflow is:

Property Location → Airspace Check → Permission Check → Safety Assessment → Flight → Content Delivery

Not:

Property Location → Launch Drone

Can Construction Companies Fly Drones in Kolkata?

Yes, drone technology can support construction projects through:

Site documentation
Progress monitoring
Aerial imagery
Surveying
Mapping
Earthwork analysis

However, construction sites can introduce additional risks.

You may have:

Cranes
Workers
Heavy machinery
Temporary structures
Power lines
Restricted project areas

The drone flight therefore needs to be planned around both airspace rules and site safety.

A construction company should also define exactly what the drone is expected to deliver.

For example:

Monthly progress photographs

is a different requirement from:

Survey-grade orthomosaic and elevation data.

The equipment and flight planning may therefore be different.

Can Surveyors Fly Drones in Kolkata?

Yes, drone-based surveying can be highly useful for:

Land mapping
Topographic surveys
Construction sites
Infrastructure projects
Volume calculations
Orthomosaic generation
3D modelling

But a survey project should not begin with the assumption that the drone can automatically fly anywhere on the site.

The survey team should first check:

Location → Airspace → Pilot → Drone → Mission → Ground Control → Data Capture → Processing

This is particularly important for professional survey work because airspace compliance and data accuracy are separate requirements.

Do You Need a Certified Drone Pilot for Professional Survey Work?

Where the applicable regulations require an RPC, the pilot should have the appropriate certification and endorsement.

But certification alone does not make someone a survey professional.

Drone surveying also involves:

Mission planning
Image overlap
GCPs
RTK/PPK
Coordinate systems
Photogrammetry
GIS
Accuracy
Quality control

This is why many professional projects involve a combination of:

Certified Drone Pilot + Surveyor + GIS/Mapping Specialist

The exact team structure depends on the project.

What Is the Difference Between Flying a Drone in Kolkata and Flying in a Smaller City?

The basic national regulatory framework applies across India, but local conditions can make operations very different.

Kolkata has:

A major international airport
Dense urban development
Controlled airspace
High population density
Infrastructure
Strategic locations
Large public events
Temporary security restrictions

This means a drone operator should pay particular attention to location-specific airspace and operational risks.

The important lesson is:

Do not use your experience from a green-zone rural site to assume that the same flight is possible in central Kolkata.

Can You Fly a Drone in Kolkata Without Checking DigitalSky?

You should not.

DGCA’s current public guidance specifically tells RPC holders to check the DigitalSky platform before every flight.

The Drone Rules also establish mandatory pre-flight verification of applicable zonal restrictions through the DigitalSky platform.

This should become a standard part of your pre-flight checklist.

Every Flight:

Check DigitalSky → Check Zone → Check Restrictions → Confirm Permissions → Fly

Not:

Fly → Check Later

What Should a Beginner Do Before Flying a Drone in Kolkata?

If you are completely new to drones, follow this sequence.

Step 1: Learn the Basics

Understand:

Drone controls
Flight modes
Batteries
Sensors
Safety

Step 2: Learn Indian Drone Regulations

Understand:

Drone categories
Pilot certification
Registration
Airspace zones
Safety requirements

Step 3: Learn DigitalSky

Learn how to:

Check the airspace map
Identify the zone
Plan a flight
Understand permission requirements

Step 4: Get Applicable Training

If your intended operation requires an RPC, complete the applicable training through an authorised RPTO.

DGCA’s training syllabus includes subjects such as air law, airspace, flight principles, ATC procedures, weather, maintenance, risk assessment, safety, payload operations and drone data.

Step 5: Practise Safely

Start with controlled practical training rather than immediately accepting commercial assignments.

Step 6: Choose Your Specialisation

You can specialise in:

Mapping
Surveying
Inspection
Construction
Real estate
Agriculture
Aerial photography
Videography

Step 7: Build Professional Experience

Learn how to plan and execute complete drone missions rather than simply flying the aircraft.

Where Can You Learn Professional Drone Flying in Kolkata?

SkyGlimps Technologies currently offers DGCA-Certified Small Category Drone Pilot Training through its Kolkata-based RPTO.

The current programme covers areas including:

Drone regulatory framework
Flight fundamentals
ATC procedures
Aerodynamics
Weather and meteorology
Drone maintenance
Risk assessment
Safety
Payload operations
Drone data processing
Simulator training
Practical flying
Solo-flight progression
Night flying operations
Final flying assessment

SkyGlimps currently conducts classroom training in New Town, Kolkata, with practical flying at its flying ground in Singur, West Bengal. The current programme is designed for beginners and working professionals as well as people interested in building professional drone careers.

SkyGlimps DGCA-Certified Drone Training in Kolkata

For people interested specifically in mapping and surveying, SkyGlimps also offers a dedicated Drone Mapping & Surveying Course covering survey-oriented drone workflows.

What Should a Professional Drone Pilot in Kolkata Do Before Accepting a Project?

If a client contacts you for a drone assignment, do not immediately quote a price.

First ask:

1. Where is the site?

Get the exact location.

2. What is the purpose?

Is it:

Photography?
Video?
Survey?
Mapping?
Inspection?
Monitoring?

3. When is the flight?

The date matters because temporary restrictions can change.

4. What drone will be used?

Check whether the aircraft is appropriate and compliant.

5. Who is operating the drone?

Confirm the pilot’s applicable certification.

6. What are the deliverables?

For example:

20 photographs
4K video
Orthomosaic
3D model
Inspection report

7. Is the site accessible?

Check:

Take-off area
Landing area
Obstacles
People
Permission from the property/site owner

8. What does DigitalSky show?

This should be one of the first operational checks.

Only after these questions are answered should you finalise the flight plan and quotation.

Kolkata Drone Flight Planning: A Simple Example

Imagine a construction company asks you to capture aerial photographs of a new building.

The project is in Kolkata.

Your workflow should look like this:

Step 1

Get the exact construction-site location.

Step 2

Check the location on DigitalSky.

Step 3

Determine the applicable airspace zone.

Step 4

Check whether the site falls within an airport restriction or another restricted area.

Step 5

Confirm your pilot certification and drone compliance.

Step 6

Check the weather.

Step 7

Assess the construction site.

Look for:

Cranes
Workers
Power lines
Buildings
Vehicles

Step 8

Plan the flight.

Step 9

Conduct the pre-flight inspection.

Step 10

Fly only within the permitted area and conditions.

Step 11

Capture the agreed deliverables.

Step 12

Land safely and back up the data.

This workflow is much safer than simply arriving at the site and launching the drone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you fly a drone in Kolkata?

Yes, drone operations are possible in parts of Kolkata, but the exact location, airspace zone, pilot requirements, drone compliance and applicable permissions must be checked before flying.

2. What are the drone flying rules in Kolkata?

The key requirements include checking the DigitalSky airspace zone, following applicable pilot certification requirements, operating a compliant drone, respecting restricted areas, maintaining safety and obtaining permissions where required.

3. Can I fly a drone anywhere in Kolkata?

No. Kolkata contains areas affected by airport and other airspace or security restrictions. The exact location must be checked on DigitalSky before every flight.

4. Is drone flying allowed near Kolkata airport?

The current AAI published RPAS procedures state that RPA operations are not permitted within 5 km of the perimeter of Kolkata airport. Other airport-related airspace restrictions can also apply.

5. How do I check if my location is a drone no-fly zone in Kolkata?

Check the exact location on the official DigitalSky airspace map before the flight. DigitalSky identifies the applicable green, yellow and red zones.

6. Do I need permission to fly a drone in Kolkata?

It depends on the airspace zone. Green-zone operations can generally be conducted without prior permission, while yellow and red zones require the applicable permissions.

7. What is a yellow drone zone?

A yellow zone is restricted airspace where permission from the concerned Air Traffic Control authority is required.

8. What is a red drone zone?

A red zone is highly restricted airspace where UAS operations require Central Government permission under the DigitalSky framework.

9. What is a green drone zone?

A green zone is airspace where UAS operations are permitted without prior permission, subject to the applicable drone rules and operating requirements.

10. What is the maximum drone flying height in Kolkata?

The published AAI civil RPAS procedures specify operations below 400 feet AGL, but local airspace restrictions can impose lower limits. DigitalSky also specifies a 200-foot/60-metre green-zone limit in the relevant 8–12 km airport band.

Final Checklist: Before You Fly a Drone in Kolkata

Before every flight, remember:

1. Check the exact location.

2. Check DigitalSky.

3. Confirm the airspace zone.

4. Check airport restrictions.

5. Check temporary restrictions.

6. Confirm applicable pilot certification.

7. Confirm drone registration/UIN where applicable.

8. Confirm type certification where applicable.

9. Confirm insurance.

10. Check weather and visibility.

11. Assess people, buildings and obstacles.

12. Confirm site/client permissions.

13. Maintain Visual Line of Sight where required.

14. Stay within the permitted area and altitude.

15. Follow the applicable operational and safety requirements.

Fly Smart: Understand the Rules Before You Launch

The answer to “Can you fly a drone in Kolkata?” is not simply yes or no.

You can fly a drone in Kolkata only when the specific location, drone, pilot and operation satisfy the applicable requirements.

The most important habit is to stop thinking about Kolkata as one single drone zone.

Instead, think:

Exact Location → DigitalSky → Airspace Zone → Permissions → Pilot → Drone → Safety → Flight

The current DigitalSky platform allows pilots to check the applicable airspace and identify whether an area is green, yellow or red.

For Kolkata specifically, airport restrictions are especially important. The current AAI published procedures state that RPA operations are not permitted within 5 km of Kolkata airport, while other restrictions can apply around military installations, strategic/vital installations, state secretariat complexes and other protected areas.

This means that even if you have a capable drone and the appropriate pilot certification, you still need to check the flight location.

For professional operators, the process should become routine:

Check the airspace.

Check the aircraft.

Check the pilot.

Check the site.

Check the weather.

Check the permissions.

Then fly.

If you are looking to develop professional drone-pilot skills in Kolkata, SkyGlimps currently provides DGCA-Certified Small Category Drone Pilot Training through its Kolkata-based RPTO, combining regulatory knowledge, simulator training, practical flying, safety, maintenance and final flying assessment.

Explore SkyGlimps DGCA-Certified Drone Pilot Training

The safest drone flight is the one that is planned before the drone ever leaves the ground.