Europe clears continent-wide BVLOS framework for infrastructure drones

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has adopted a harmonised framework allowing certified operators to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone flights across all member states under a single operational authorisation, ending the country-by-country approval process that has fragmented the European inspection market for a decade.

The framework, which enters into force in January 2027, establishes a common risk-assessment methodology for linear-infrastructure missions — power lines, railways and pipelines — and recognises automated detect-and-avoid systems as a primary mitigation for the first time.

“This is the moment the European drone services market has been waiting for. One authorisation, twenty-seven markets.”

Dr. Anna Keller, CEO, Vertex Dynamics

What changes for operators

Operators holding a Light UAS Operator Certificate will be able to passport approved BVLOS operations between member states with a notification rather than a fresh application. Utilities, which have until now contracted separate operators in each country, are expected to consolidate multi-country inspection contracts with a smaller number of pan-European providers.

Munich-based Vertex Dynamics, which operates automated docked-drone networks for grid operators in Germany and Austria, said it would extend its network to France and the Nordics in the first half of 2027. Analysts expect the change to accelerate consolidation among Europe's roughly 400 licensed inspection operators.