New EASA 2026 drone rules: what changes in Portugal

In this article

EASA has published updates to Regulation (EU) 2019/947 taking effect in 2026, directly impacting recreational and professional pilots in Portugal
Remote ID (remote identification) becomes mandatory for virtually all drones above 250g from January 1, 2026
The U-space system advances with pilot zones in Lisbon and Porto, requiring real-time digital authorization
New C5 and C6 classes for drones in the Specific category simplify commercial operations
ANAC is preparing to enforce regulations more strictly — fines can reach up to EUR 2,500 for individuals

I’ll be honest: when I saw the volume of updates EASA published for 2026, my first thought was “here we go again.” But most changes make sense. In this article, I break down what’s changing, what stays the same, and what it means in practice for those flying in Portugal.

The context: where we came from and where we’re going

European regulation rests on two pillars: Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (operating rules) and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 (technical requirements). These created the Open, Specific and Certified system we use today.

Portugal, through ANAC, transposed these rules. But implementation was gradual, enforcement lenient. That’s changing — 2026 is the year it becomes tangible.

Remote ID: the big news for 2026

Let’s get to what matters. The most impactful change is, without doubt, the mandatory Remote ID (remote identification). In practice, your drone will need to transmit, in real time, information such as:

Operator registration number (the one you get from ANAC)
Drone position and altitude
Pilot position (or takeoff point)
Speed and flight direction
Timestamp (exact time)

This information is transmitted via direct broadcast — anyone with a compatible receiver (or a smartphone app) can see your drone and know who the registered operator is. Think of it as an “electronic license plate.”

Who is affected?

Basically, almost everyone. Drones of class C1, C2 and C3 (above 250g) need factory-integrated Remote ID. Legacy models (purchased before 2024 and without CE class) have until December 31, 2027 to adapt — but note that manufacturers are already releasing firmware updates for recent models.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro, for example, already supports Remote ID via update. The same goes for the Air 3 and Mavic 3 Pro. If you have an older model — like a Mavic Air 2 — things get more complicated, as there may be no update available. In that case, Remote ID add-on modules exist costing between EUR 50 and EUR 120.

What about drones under 250g?

Good question. Drones in subcategory A1 weighing less than 250g (class C0) are, for now, exempt from the Remote ID requirement. But — and this “but” is important — if your drone has a camera and weighs less than 250g, you still need operator registration. The exemption is only from the Remote ID transmission system, not from registration itself.

U-space: digital airspace arrives in Portugal

The U-space concept is something EASA has been developing for years, and 2026 marks the beginning of real implementation in Portugal. In my opinion, this is perhaps the most transformative aspect in the medium term, although it currently affects few people.

In simple terms, U-space is an air traffic management system specifically designed for drones. In areas designated as “U-space airspace,” it will be necessary to:

Register the flight before takeoff (via digital platform)
Receive real-time authorization
Maintain continuous tracking during flight
Respect dynamic geo-fencing

The first U-space zones in Portugal are planned for the second half of 2026, in the Lisbon area (Humberto Delgado airport zone and surroundings) and Porto (Francisco Sa Carneiro airport). It makes sense — these are the areas with the most air traffic and, simultaneously, where most drone pilots operate.

For the recreational pilot flying at Costa Nova beach or in the Geres mountains, this changes nothing immediately. But if you regularly fly in urban areas, get ready.

New C5 and C6 classes: good news for professionals

A change I personally applaud is the introduction of C5 and C6 classes in the Delegated Regulation. These classes are designed for operations in the Specific category with standard scenarios (STS-01 and STS-02), and significantly simplify life for those doing commercial drone work.

Class C5 covers drones up to 25 kg for VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) operations over controlled areas, while C6 allows BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations in specific scenarios. Until now, these operations required a complete SORA risk assessment and operational authorization from ANAC — a process that, in my experience, takes between 3 to 6 months and costs a fortune in consulting.

With the new classes and standard scenarios, the process becomes substantially faster. It’s not automatic (you still need a declaration to ANAC), but it’s a huge improvement.

What changes for recreational pilots in Portugal

I know many of you fly as a hobby, and the legitimate question is: “Miguel, does all this affect me?” The short answer is: yes, but less than it seems.

If you fly in subcategory A1 (drones <250g or class C0/C1), obligations remain basically the same: operator registration with ANAC (free), respect prohibited/restricted zones, and maintain the usual common sense.

If you fly in subcategory A2 (class C2 drones, up to 4 kg, with A2 certification), the big news is that the A2 exam has been updated. ANAC published the new question bank in January 2026, with more emphasis on meteorology and risk management. The exam costs the same EUR 30, but it’s more demanding. In my opinion, rightly so — I’ve seen too many people pass the old exam without really understanding the implications of what they were doing.

In subcategory A3 (away from people, up to 25 kg), the Remote ID requirement is the only relevant novelty. If you were already complying with everything else, just ensure your drone transmits Remote ID.

Enforcement and fines: will ANAC really crack down?

I hear this question constantly. And the honest answer is: yes, but gradually. ANAC announced in February 2026 a reinforcement of the inspection team dedicated to UAS (unmanned aircraft systems), and there’s a cooperation protocol with GNR and PSP for illegal flight detection.

The fines established in Decree-Law No. 58/2020 remain:

Individuals: EUR 250 to EUR 2,500 per offense
Legal entities: EUR 1,500 to EUR 15,000 per offense

Flying without registration, without insurance, in a prohibited zone, or without Remote ID (when applicable) — all of these are separate offenses. That means if they catch you flying without registration AND without insurance AND in a prohibited zone, they can accumulate three fines. It’s no joke.

In practice, enforcement has been focused on sensitive areas: airports, sporting events, crowds. But with Remote ID, detecting offenders becomes much easier. Something to keep in mind.

How to prepare: practical checklist

To not leave you with just theory, here’s what I recommend doing right away in 2026:

Check your ANAC registration — if you haven’t registered as an operator yet, do it now. It’s free and takes 10 minutes.
Check your insurance — mandatory for all drones above 20g (yes, twenty grams). A basic policy costs between EUR 40 and EUR 80/year.
Update firmware — check if your drone manufacturer has already made Remote ID available via update.
Refresh your knowledge — if you took the A1/A3 exam more than 2 years ago, consider retaking it (validity is 5 years, but content has changed).
Install the AAN app — the “AAN Drone” app from NAV Portugal shows zones where you can (and cannot) fly. It’s essential.

Conclusion

The new EASA rules for 2026 represent the natural evolution of a regulatory framework that, let’s face it, needed updating. Remote ID was inevitable (the US implemented it in 2023), U-space is the future of air traffic management, and C5/C6 classes genuinely make life easier for professionals.

For the recreational pilot, the impact is manageable. If you were already complying with previous legislation, the adaptation is minimal. If you weren’t… well, this is a good time to regularize your situation before enforcement really tightens.

As always, my advice is simple: get informed, register, get insurance, and fly responsibly. Airspace belongs to everyone — and the more responsible we are, the fewer restrictions we’ll face in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Remote ID mandatory for all drones?

Not for all. Class C0 drones (below 250g, without camera or with camera but below 250g) are exempt from the Remote ID transmission system. However, all drones above 250g in classes C1, C2, and C3 need integrated Remote ID or an add-on module from 2026. Legacy drones have a deadline until the end of 2027.

How much does it cost to adapt my drone to Remote ID?

It depends on the model. If the manufacturer provides a firmware update (as with the DJI Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, Mavic 3 Pro), the cost is zero. If you need an external module, prices range between EUR 50 and EUR 120. I recommend checking the manufacturer’s website first before buying any module.

Will U-space affect my usual flights?

It depends on where you fly. The first U-space zones in Portugal will be implemented near Lisbon and Porto airports. If you regularly fly in those areas, yes, you’ll need prior digital authorization. For flights in rural zones or beaches outside these designated areas, there’s no immediate impact.

Is my A1/A3 license still valid?

Yes. The A1/A3 competency validity is 5 years from the date of acquisition. If you obtained yours in 2022, for example, it’s valid until 2027. However, the exam content has been updated, so when you renew you’ll need to study the new material.

Can I continue flying with a drone without CE class marking?

Yes, but with limitations. Drones without CE class marking (called “legacy” or “transitional”) can continue operating in subcategory A1 (if <250g) or A3 (if <25 kg), but are subject to more restrictive rules and cannot operate in subcategory A2. This transitional situation has a deadline, so it’s worth planning the eventual replacement of your equipment.

Miguel Santos

DroneFlyBlog

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