The Czech Civil Aviation Authority (ÚCL) reported 572 illegal drone incidents in 2025—a 69 percent jump on the previous year—with the highest concentration around Václav Havel Airport Prague and the restricted zone above Prague Castle. The figures, released on 25 January 2026, have sparked calls from airport executives and regulators for tougher enforcement measures as the busy winter-holiday travel period peaks.
According to ÚCL spokesperson Jitka Ungerová, police filed 342 administrative-offence cases and imposed 31 fines of CZK 10,000 (€400) each. In roughly one-third of incidents, the drone operator could not be identified, underscoring the challenges of policing small unmanned aircraft in urban airspace. Industry experts warn that even a brief incursion can force controllers to hold or divert passenger jets during critical take-off and landing phases, creating knock-on delays that ripple through airline schedules and corporate travel itineraries.
For international travelers heading to or transiting through the Czech Republic, VisaHQ can smooth the journey by handling visa applications and travel-document requirements online, providing real-time updates and expert support so you can focus on your itinerary instead of paperwork. More details are available at https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/
![Prague Airport Faces Record Number of Drone Violations, Civil Aviation Authority Warns of Flight-Safety Risk]()
Prague Airport says it already deploys radio-frequency sensors and rapid-response patrols but wants wider “no-fly” buffer zones and the legal authority to jam suspect signals. Business-travel managers are advised to factor potential short-notice delays into tight connection windows, particularly for early-morning departures when hobby pilots often seek good light for aerial footage.
The surge in violations follows last year’s tightening of Czech drone rules, which introduced new permanent no-fly zones over critical infrastructure as well as mandatory flight-plan publication on the national DroneMap platform. Mobility-policy consultants recommend that multinational companies remind staff using camera drones for marketing or site inspections to obtain prior authorisation and to carry proof of insurance on location.
Legislators are expected to debate amendments in the spring that would raise maximum fines to CZK 250,000 and allow police to confiscate equipment on the spot. If adopted, the tougher penalties should deter casual rule-breakers and reduce disruption at the country’s main international gateway.
According to ÚCL spokesperson Jitka Ungerová, police filed 342 administrative-offence cases and imposed 31 fines of CZK 10,000 (€400) each. In roughly one-third of incidents, the drone operator could not be identified, underscoring the challenges of policing small unmanned aircraft in urban airspace. Industry experts warn that even a brief incursion can force controllers to hold or divert passenger jets during critical take-off and landing phases, creating knock-on delays that ripple through airline schedules and corporate travel itineraries.
For international travelers heading to or transiting through the Czech Republic, VisaHQ can smooth the journey by handling visa applications and travel-document requirements online, providing real-time updates and expert support so you can focus on your itinerary instead of paperwork. More details are available at https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/
Prague Airport says it already deploys radio-frequency sensors and rapid-response patrols but wants wider “no-fly” buffer zones and the legal authority to jam suspect signals. Business-travel managers are advised to factor potential short-notice delays into tight connection windows, particularly for early-morning departures when hobby pilots often seek good light for aerial footage.
The surge in violations follows last year’s tightening of Czech drone rules, which introduced new permanent no-fly zones over critical infrastructure as well as mandatory flight-plan publication on the national DroneMap platform. Mobility-policy consultants recommend that multinational companies remind staff using camera drones for marketing or site inspections to obtain prior authorisation and to carry proof of insurance on location.
Legislators are expected to debate amendments in the spring that would raise maximum fines to CZK 250,000 and allow police to confiscate equipment on the spot. If adopted, the tougher penalties should deter casual rule-breakers and reduce disruption at the country’s main international gateway.
