Shanghai will open free-fly zones for drones on February 1, covering 46% of the city to foster its low-altitude economy.
Shanghai will introduce designated free-fly zones for consumer drones starting February 1, allowing operations across 46% of the city.
The initiative aims to stimulate the local low-altitude economy by permitting drone launches in specific areas without prior notification, provided the drones are registered.
Local authorities have confirmed that three parks, including the Shanghai Botanical Garden, are part of these approved zones.
In regions with flight restrictions, operators will need approval from local aviation authorities to launch their drones.
Applications for drone operations can be submitted online through the Suishenban platform, which also provides a map of free-fly and restricted zones, facilitating registration and flight requests.
This move underscores the growth potential of Shanghai's drone market. By the end of 2025, the city anticipates having 220,000 registered drones and nearly 800 companies engaged in drone operations, with an estimated 3.2 million flights recorded that year.
The low-altitude economy encompasses activities utilizing airspace up to 1,000 meters, including drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, which serve various sectors such as logistics, tourism, agriculture, emergency services, and urban air mobility.
Shanghai has set ambitious goals to become a global leader in the low-altitude economy by 2026, targeting an industry worth $11.5 billion by 2028 and establishing a national cluster for advanced manufacturing.
Additionally, Joby Aviation, a flying taxi manufacturer, is set to launch services in the UAE in 2026 following the delivery of its first aircraft in July 2025, further indicating the momentum in the low-altitude sector.
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