Airport Warns of Drone Flight Ban Within a 5 km Radius

16. 01. 2026 – M. R. Štefánik Airport is alerting owners and operators of unmanned aircraft to a ban on flying drones in the vicinity of the airport within a radius of up to 5 kilometres. The ban on specified civil drone flights was declared by the Minister of Transport of the Slovak Republic, effective 6 December 2025, in order to ensure the protection of facilities and aviation equipment under the authority of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic.

“By decision of the Minister of Transport, a so-called UAS area has been designated, within which civil flights by unmanned aircraft are prohibited,” warned Nofal Kattan, Director of the Military Aviation Authority.

A UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) geographical area is a restricted airspace surrounding the airport where drone operations are prohibited for defence-related reasons. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure full protection of facilities, areas, and aviation equipment under the administration of the Ministry of Defence in connection with the operation of civil unmanned aircraft.

The UAS restricted area extends within a 5-kilometre radius of M. R. Štefánik Airport in Bratislava, from ground level up to an altitude of 500 metres above ground level.

The ban on specified civil drone flights does not apply to operations conducted for life-saving purposes, medical emergency flights, or search and rescue operations.

“As safety is a top priority in civil aviation, this restriction is also crucial for the protection of military aviation. Drones pose a serious risk to civil aviation,” explained Nofal Kattan, Director of the Military Aviation Authority.

Failure to comply with the ban may result in financial penalties, the amount of which depends on whether the drone operator entered the restricted area intentionally or through negligence. The fines are imposed by the Transport Authority of the Slovak Republic. For intentional violations, fines of up to €3,500 may be imposed, while negligent violations may result in fines of up to €500.