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Register as an Operator, Get Trained and Know the Rules Before You Fly, Cautions Aviation Authority 
 

• Santa may deliver a drone this Christmas, but not the knowledge to fly it safely.
• Consumers who buy a drone with a camera or weighing more than 250g, are legally required to register as a drone operator before they fly. 
• Over 24,000 drone pilots trained in Ireland to the highest global standards.
• Check airspace restrictions before you fly.

Dublin, 10 December 2025:  The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), today launched the Christmas ‘Drone Safely’ campaign, supported by Drone Innovation Partnership and Dublin City Council. If you’re thinking of getting a drone this Christmas, you need to make sure you register as an Operator with the IAA and that you know the rules before you fly. This advice comes ahead of the busiest shopping days in the lead up to Christmas. 
 
Drone use is on the rise and the number of drones and operators registered in Ireland has risen exponentially over past number of years. Safety is paramount, and since 2021 the IAA has registered over 9,200 drone operators and trained over 26,000 drone pilots.
 
Consumers who fly a drone that has a camera or weighs more than 250g*, are legally required to register as a drone operator. Drone safety is the responsibility of the operator, including control of the drone, awareness of airspace restrictions and compliance with the law.
  
“Thankfully the vast majority of drone users are compliant with the regulations. However, with the rapid growth of drone usage, we are concerned that new pilots may not be aware of their responsibilities, which can lead to unsafe flying. If people see someone not complying with the regulations, we encourage them to report it to iaa.ie/dronealert. Reckless use of a drone or inappropriate use of a drone camera may result in prosecution,” says Enda Walsh, UAS (Drone) Manager from the Irish Aviation Authority.

For more information on IAA Drone Safety Regulations and registration process, visit www.iaa.ie/drones Stay updated by searching the following @IAApress or #DroneSafely. 

***ENDS*** 

 *Drones lighter than 250g but capable of transferring kinetic energy above 80 J to a human must also be registered. Examples include some smaller high-speed drones. Drones classed as toys under Directive 2009/48/EC are exempt.

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact: 
media@iaa.ie