Drone operations

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulates all drone operations across the UK, and compliance with their requirements is essential. However, over the tidal Thames, the Port of London Authority (PLA) also plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety and is the statutory body responsible for managing vessel movements and river safety. 

The PLA has issued specific guidance for drone operators flying over the river and some operators require permission in certain circumstances.

There are unique risks of flying in a busy maritime environment, where bridges, piers, embankments, and high-profile sites attract large crowds and host sensitive infrastructure and ongoing construction. We recommend everybody flying over the tidal Thames reads this guidance.

Read the guidance

Anyone wishing to fly a drone over the tidal Thames must be aware of all relevant legislation and codes of practice. In addition to CAA regulations, operators may need permissions from:

• Port of London Authority – must be notified at least three (3) working days in advance

  • When taking off or landing on a vessel

  • When taking off or landing on the foreshore

  • Multi-drone operations or displays regarded as events (Event Organiser Guide)

• Civil Aviation Authority;

• National Air Traffic Services;

• Relevant riparian (riverside) local authority and landowner consent where the drone flight and exclusion area will impact on adjacent land;

• Any necessary consents for flying in exclusion area(s) and / or near high-profile locations or structures;

• Metropolitan Police filming unit (in the central London area);

• Finally, the drone operator / applicant must ensure they have the prior written permission of the riverside landowner from which they intend to take off and land.

PLA Permissions

Where the Port of London Authority (PLA) has direct authority under General Directions, Byelaws, or as the landowner, permission must be granted prior to flight. 

In these cases, drone operators must notify the PLA at least three (3) working days in advance to allow the Harbour Master to assess of any potential impact on river safety. Please notify us as early as possible, providing a flight plan, risk assessment and method statement, and confirmation of insurance.  

Submit flight information via our Drone Online Notification Portal

Once satisfied that the flight poses no hazard to navigation, the PLA will respond accordingly. Some flights may require additional controls to protect river users, and our team will follow up with any further questions.

If your drone flight requires PLA permission and involves filming or photography, you must obtain both flight approval and a separate filming permit. 

For multi-drone operations deemed an event, a minimum of four weeks’ notice is required. Application for drone events should be made in accordance with Event Organiser Guide.

PLEASE NOTE: The drone operator / applicant is responsible for ensuring all permissions / consents have been applied for and granted. The PLA accepts no liability for issues arising due to failure of the operator to gain such necessary consents.