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BVLOS flights in the Netherlands are possible

Nowadays, BVLOS flights are permitted in the Netherlands. Not everywhere, but they are now possible within CTRs (around airports) and in atypical airspace or segregated airspace. Below, I will briefly discuss the options. If you would like to know more, download our BVLOS Operations e-book.

What is BVLOS?

Everyone is familiar with so-called VLOS operations. These are flights during which the pilot personally monitors the drone and its surroundings on site in order to avoid collisions with other aircraft. In addition to VLOS, there is also EVLOS, Extended Visual Line of Sight. The idea is that an additional observer is positioned farther away and takes over the pilot’s eyes and ears, giving the pilot instructions via a radio or earpiece. Here too, the aim is to prevent collisions.

BVLOS, Beyond Visual Line of Sight, goes one step further. We distinguish between two types of operations:

  1. BVLOS in which a pilot is still ‘nearby’ but can no longer see the drone, even with an additional observer.
  2. BVLOS in which the pilot is seated in an office/control room and sometimes operates multiple drones. So-called drone-in-a-box or box operations are usually carried out in this way.

What is possible in the Netherlands

To fly BVLOS, an annotation on the OA (Operational Authorisation) is required. This can be obtained through ILT. BVLOS flights are not permitted everywhere. ILT explains in broad terms on its website what is and is not allowed: https://www.ilent.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/03/25/generieke-bvlos-operaties-boven-gecontroleerd-grondgebied-nu-mogelijk. What does this mean?

In the Netherlands – things work differently abroad – the following scenarios have been possible since 2025:

  1. Flying above controlled ground territory in atypical airspace or segregated airspace (generic).
  2. BVLOS operations in controlled airspace above sparsely populated areas (generic)
  3. Precisely authorised BVLOS operations in atypical airspace above sparsely populated areas (only at a specific location that must be assessed).

What is atypical / segregated airspace?

Atypical airspace is airspace that normally cannot be entered by other air traffic. Atypical Airspace: a zone extending 30 metres around obstacles, trees, houses, buildings, wind turbines and masts, where normal air traffic cannot operate. The maximum distance between them is therefore 60 metres. Think, for example, of industrial areas or terminals in ports.

Segregated airspace is airspace that is (temporarily) closed to other air traffic. An application must be submitted for a temporary restricted area. This area is designated as a Temporary Area with Restrictions (TGB) and is intended as a temporary transition until the operation no longer requires segregated airspace. An example of this is the corridor between Meppel and Zwolle. Read more about the considerations made by our government.

What is not yet possible?

In principle, BVLOS flights in Class G airspace are still not permitted. Even if you fly no higher than 30 metres, BVLOS flights outside CTRs, atypical airspace and segregated airspace are prohibited. There are possibilities in very specific cases. Flying above urban areas is also not yet possible.

Want to know more?

Request our e-book.