As drone operations scale across Europe, the need for streamlined cross-border operations becomes ever more pressing. Whether you are monitoring a railway that runs into another Member State, supporting logistics routes, or providing security over international assets, flying drones across borders within the EASA Specific category involves a clear yet detailed regulatory process.

This blog outlines the requirements, exemptions, and practical guidance for conducting cross-border drone operations in Europe under the Specific category, along with how AirHub can support you through both consultancy and software.

What Are Cross-Border Operations?

Under Regulation (EU) 2019/947, cross-border operations refer to drone flights taking place partially or entirely in the airspace of a Member State other than where the drone operator is registered. These operations fall under Article 13 of the Implementing Regulation and require coordination with the National Aviation Authority (NAA) of the destination country.

Steps to Apply for Cross-Border Operations

If you hold a valid operational authorisation under the Specific category, you must:

1. Submit the Cross-Border Application Form to the NAA of the Member State where the operation will take place.

2. Include your existing operational authorisation as granted by your home country's NAA.

3. Provide an operational plan detailing:

   • Location(s) of the intended operations

   • Dates and duration (can be unlimited)

   • Altitude limits

   • Type of airspace

4. Describe any adaptations to mitigation measures in light of:

   • Local airspace structure

   • Terrain and population density

   • Climatic conditions

   • Emergency response plans and communication protocols

5. Submit updated documentation, such as:

   • Extracts from the Operations Manual (OM)

   • Risk assessments or compliance evidence files

The receiving NAA may issue:

• A generic confirmation, covering broader areas or repeated missions under similar conditions, or

• A precise confirmation, strictly limited to one specific location and time.

Once the receiving NAA confirms the acceptability of the adapted mitigation measures, the operator may begin flights in that country. The original NAA must then update the operational authorisation to reflect the added location(s).

LUC Exemption: Why Some Operators Are Exempt

Operators holding a Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) with the appropriate privileges are exempt from the standard cross-border process. These privileges allow them to:

• Assess local conditions themselves

• Adapt mitigation measures independently

• Notify the destination NAA with only the intended location and a copy of their LUC approval terms

This significantly reduces administrative burden and speeds up deployment.

How AirHub Consultancy Can Support

AirHub Consultancy has extensive experience supporting public and private drone operators with cross-border operations. We can:

• Identify local regulatory requirements and risks

• Draft or update your Operations Manual and risk assessments

• Coordinate directly with the destination country’s aviation authority

• Submit the cross-border application on your behalf

• Provide end-to-end compliance advice

We act as your regulatory partner to minimise friction and enable safe, legal expansion of your drone operations.

How AirHub Software Helps

Our software platform is designed to support cross-border missions by:

• Creating detailed operational plans with full geographic and regulatory context

• Visualising airspace types, borders, NOTAMs, terrain, and buffer zones

• Integrating editable checklists for local procedures and ERP requirements

• Storing and linking all relevant authorisations and attachments to your operation

• Enabling efficient team collaboration and audit-proof record keeping

Whether you operate in the public, private, or industrial domain, AirHub's Drone Operations Platform gives you the situational awareness and documentation support to manage international missions.

Final Thoughts

Cross-border drone operations are a key enabler of scalable, international UAS programs. While the regulatory path is defined, the process still demands diligence, precision, and local understanding. Whether you're a commercial operator, infrastructure manager, or government agency, getting it right from the start saves time and avoids costly delays.

AirHub is here to help you navigate the regulatory maze - from application to execution.

Need help planning a cross-border drone operation?
Reach out to the AirHub Consultancy team or explore our software platform at airhub.app.