As of January 1 of this year, the procedure for applying and coordinating flights of unmanned aircraft (drones) in areas where such a requirement is established will change. Henceforth, it is required to be performed in the state agnecy "Civil Aviation Agency" (CAA) in the Unmanned Aircraft Information System (BGKIS).
CAA informs that BGKIS, which is available on the website e.caa.gov.lv, provides users with the opportunity to more conveniently and efficiently organize flight application and coordination in electronic format in the geographical areas of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Thus, a transparent system is provided, which helps to reduce the risks caused by unauthorized drone flights in the airspace of the Republic of Latvia, especially in the vicinity of airports.
By implementing this solution, CAA continues to modernize and digitize the services it offers, providing convenient check-in, online training, as well as flight application processing. It promotes cooperation with customers and promotes effective data exchange with other authorities, thereby improving flight safety. At the same time, improving the exchange of information between the CAA and law enforcement and defense authorities, such as the State Police and the National Armed Forces, ensures a more effective response to incidents of unauthorized drone piloting, strengthening the CAA's role in ensuring national security in the field of unmanned aircraft.
BGKIS is designed and used by drone users from Latvia and abroad, responsible parties of UAS geographic areas, as well as supervisory and law enforcement authorities.
The CAA reminds that information on safe and legal drone piloting in the airspace of the Republic of Latvia is available on the CAA's informative website https://droni.caa.gov.lv/. In addition to general requirements, drone users should familiarize themselves with local conditions and restrictions before each flight. This information is variable and can be obtained on the website of VAS "Latvijas gaisas satiksme" https://www.airspace.lv/drones/.
Statistics
Until December 28, 2024, 17,197 users and 379 legal entities are registered in BGKIS. 8,836 drone operators (natural and legal entities on whose behalf flights are made) are registered in Latvia, as well as 15,457 remote pilots who make flights on behalf of drone operators.