Shanghai to open ‘free-to-fly’ zones covering 46% of city for consumer drones

The municipal government of Shanghai will open “free-to-fly” zones in the city for drones from February 1, as part of streamlined regulations designed to support the country’s development of a low-altitude economy.

According to Shanghai’s new guidelines for civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), consumer drones will be allowed to fly in certain “suitable airspace” in the city without prior declaration, provided these devices are registered. These include UAVs categorised as micro, light and small drones.

The free-to-fly zones covered around 46 per cent of the city’s administrative areas, according to Tuesday’s municipal government briefing, as reported by digital media outlet ThePaper.cn. Local authorities said three parks, including the Shanghai Botanical Garden, had been designated as experience zones for drone flights.

In certain restricted flying zones, drone flights will require the approval of local aviation authorities. Drone operators can apply online through the Suishenban app. The city’s free-to-fly and restricted flying zones are mapped out on the app for drone operators’ easy reference.

The Suishenban app serves as a one-stop online platform for drone users to register their UAVs, declare flights and make reservations to fly over experience zones.

The city’s latest initiative underscores the growth of the local market for UAVs and drone activities, more than a year after the municipal government launched an action plan to expedite the development of its low-altitude economy.