Eric Oehlmann, Head of Division LF19 at the BMV, provides assurance regarding geozones

At the industry event Urban Air Hamburg 2026, Eric Oehlmann from the Federal Ministry of Transport emphasised that the federal government intends to focus more on flexible regulation in lower airspace in future to enable innovation in the drone market. The focus was on so-called geozones – clearly defined areas of airspace in which drone flights are permitted, restricted or prohibited depending on the security situation. Throughout Europe, they serve to protect people, critical infrastructure and manned aviation, and in Germany they are established on the basis of the Air Traffic Regulations (Luftverkehrs-Ordnung). At the same time, future adjustments are intended to facilitate use for businesses and authorities, for example through less rigid restrictions and improved digital mapping and clearance systems. The statements signal a possible reduction or more differentiated design of geozones to better support the growing demand for applications such as inspection, logistics and urban air mobility.