New drone exclusion zone on the Danish-German border
The Danish Civil Aviation Authority (CAA Denmark) has published a proposal to establish a permanent restricted area for drones and manned aircraft. Almost the entire Danish land border with Germany is affected.
The declared aim is for the Danish police to be able to use drones for border surveillance. According to the CAA, these drones should operate up to 400 metres away from the border. However, in order to prevent any conflicts with manned aviation, the authority is calling for a five-kilometre buffer zone on the Danish side, in which regular flight operations would be prohibited.
Massive impact on aerodromes and VFR traffic
The planned buffer zone would have serious consequences for air traffic. The two airfields Tønder (EKTD) and Padborg (EKPB), which lie entirely within the planned exclusion zone, are particularly affected.
The CAA has not yet guaranteed that take-offs and landings will continue to be possible under the new framework conditions. For the operators of these aerodromes, this means considerable uncertainty - both for club and sport flight operations as well as for business aviation.
In addition, the restricted area would extend up to an altitude of 1000 feet (approx. 300 metres) above ground level. This is particularly critical for visual flight rules (VFR): in low cloud cover, which is not uncommon in the region, cross-border flights would be virtually impossible.
Different regulations on the German side
The fact that no comparable buffer zones are planned on the German side of the border is particularly controversial. Two German airfields, which are even closer to the border, could continue to operate without restrictions.
This raises the question of whether the planned five-kilometre zone on the Danish side is really necessary or whether a much smaller protection zone, as is apparently sufficient in Germany, could not fulfil the same purpose.
Criticism and protests from the aviation community
AOPA Denmark has announced that it will officially protest against the plans. The local aeroclub in Tønder has also already launched a petition to draw attention to the impending restrictions. Many pilots and associations fear that the measure will not only restrict flight operations, but could also set a dangerous precedent for further airspace restrictions.
Political and legal context
The Danish government cites security interests and the need for border surveillance. The background to this is the increasing use of drones for official tasks in recent years, including coastal and border protection.
However, the proportionality of the measure is being questioned. While flexible airspace models are being trialled in many European countries - such as temporary or dynamic restricted areas that are only activated when necessary - Denmark is apparently planning a permanent, year-round active zone.
Possible alternatives
Aviation experts suggest utilising modern technologies such as U-space integration or dynamic airspace reservations. This would allow drone missions to be coordinated at short notice via digital systems without restricting regular flight operations across the board. Such solutions are currently being tested in several EU countries and could strike a balance between safety interests and air traffic needs.
Outlook
The plans are to be implemented in the coming weeks. It remains to be seen whether the protests by AOPA and local associations can bring about any changes. One thing is certain, however: the discussion about the airspace on the Danish-German border is likely to become even more intense in the coming months.
Source references:
AOPA