As 2025 came to a close and the new year began, regulators around the world continued to push forward with drone integration, airspace modernization, and stakeholder engagement. In this edition, we cover key updates from EASA, FAA, CASA, ANAC and others - ranging from national drone strategies and safety campaigns to new U-space consultations, updated training requirements, and enforcement during wildfire emergencies.

Catch up on what’s happening across EMEA, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific, as well as the latest developments from global standardization bodies.

EMEA – Regulatory Updates & News

• EASA and DJI Partner on Safe Drone Use – EASA and DJI launch a new joint effort to raise awareness among drone users about flying legally and safely in European airspace. Read more

• EPAS 2026 Released – EASA published the 2026 edition of the European Plan for Aviation Safety, setting key priorities for innovation and safety management, including uncrewed systems. Read more

• New UAS Airspace Rules in Finland – Traficom released OPS M1-29-2026 introducing new airspace structures and zones for UAS, enhancing situational awareness and risk management. Read more

• Denmark Publishes Draft National Drone Strategy – The Danish Civil Aviation Authority opened a stakeholder consultation on its strategy for integrating drones into Danish airspace. Read more

• Germany Highlights Use Cases for Public Services – The LBA shares insights from the FAST-Flight project and UAS applications in support of German emergency services (BOS). Read more - FASTFlight | Read more - BOS

• UK Civil Aviation Authority Urges Public to Review Drone Rules – With growing drone adoption, the CAA calls on new and existing users to familiarise themselves with regulatory updates. Read more

• EASA Launches Survey on Training in Specific Category – EASA invites input on qualifications and training needs for operations in the Specific Category. Read more

• Spain: Over 150,000 Registered Drone Operators in 2025 – AESA reports strong growth in drone operator registrations and urges preparedness for 2026 regulatory changes. Read more

• STS-ES Scenarios Expire – Spain confirms that national standard scenarios (STS-ES) will no longer be valid from 2026. Read more

• Italy Launches U-Space Regulation Consultation – ENAC seeks feedback on its U-space regulatory draft, aiming to align national efforts with EU frameworks. Read more

• UAE GCAA Continues Regulatory Push – The UAE continues to build out its UTM and UAS ecosystem with further developments announced by the GCAA. Read more

Americas – Regulatory Updates & News

• FAA and FBI Announce No-Drone Zones for Super Bowl LX – The agencies outlined strict enforcement zones to ensure public safety at the major sports event. Read more

• FAA Leadership Presents New Initiatives – FAA Administrator Bedford and Secretary Duffy announce plans for accelerating integration and oversight of uncrewed aviation. Read more

• Brazil Uses Starlink and Drones for Inspection – Brazil’s ANAC incorporates drones and satellite comms into remote inspection and surveillance operations. Read more

• Chile Bans Drones During Wildfires – Chile’s DGAC reaffirms drone restrictions during active wildfire response to safeguard manned aviation and firefighting efforts. Read more

• Peru Uses Drones for Spectrum Monitoring – Peru’s Ministry of Transport deploys drones to detect illegal radio signals and improve spectrum enforcement. Read more

Asia-Pacific – Regulatory Updates & News

• China Updates RPAS Roadmap – CAAC continues to refine national frameworks for uncrewed aviation integration. Read more

• CASA Publishes RPAS News for December and January – Updates include new resources, policy developments, and insight into drone operations over people. Read more - Jan | Read more - Dec

• Australia Trials New Training Pathways for Medium RPAs – CASA launches trial projects to evaluate future RPAS licensing structures. Read more

• CASA Simplifies Drone Flights Over People – CASA is working on revised policies to make compliant operations over people easier to manage. Read more

• Japan MLIT Continues UAS Regulatory Development – Japan’s MLIT shares updates on ongoing efforts to enhance UAS governance. Read more

Standardization Bodies – Regulatory Updates & News

• EUROCAE Opens Consultation on ED-334A and ED-348 – Industry feedback is requested on two updated standards for RPAS detect-and-avoid (ED-334A) and test scenarios (ED-348).

Read more – ED-334A | Read more – ED-348

We will continue tracking these developments closely as 2026 unfolds—with particular attention to U-space rollouts, SORA 2.5 adoption, and the evolving training, certification, and safety requirements impacting both commercial and government drone operators.

Have a regulatory update we missed? Let us know. → www.airhub.app/consultancy