Flying Drones in Venice: A Guide to Red Zones, ATM-09, and STS-01 Scenarios
Flying a Drone in Venice: the Definitive Guide to Red Zones, Prisons, and the ATM-09 Challenge
Venice is, without a shadow of a doubt, the most photogenic city in the world.
But even if you are a drone pilot, flying here is not that simple. On this page, you will finally find information about where you can fly, and where it may be very difficult to do so.
Many people think that a standard Mavic Mini (a drone under 250 g) or a regular A2 certificate is enough to capture the shot of the century over the Grand Canal. The reality? In Venice, the “Open Category” is practically a mirage. In this article, we analyze the map you see above, decode the restrictions, and explain why, if you want to fly legally over 100% of Venice, starting from St. Mark’s Square, you need a professional equipped with a parachute, flight termination system, and STS authorizations.
Let’s analyze the map: the many meanings of “red”
Looking at the screenshot taken from D-Flight, the situation is clear: Venice is not just “red,” it is “red in different ways.” Every geometric shape you see on the map has a specific meaning and different rules.
1. The large red circular area: the “Jona” heliport (Venice Hospital)
This is one of the most critical areas. It is not an airport for commercial aircraft, but the “Jona” heliport, meaning the helipad of Venice Civil Hospital. Since it is an active heliport used for medical emergencies, it is treated like an airport. The red circle therefore indicates an airport red zone.
Here, flying in the Open Category is not allowed.
2. The two red squares: prison no-fly zones
Notice those two perfect squares? They are restricted areas linked to the presence of detention facilities: the Santa Maria Maggiore men’s prison and the Giudecca women’s prison.
Here, the overflight ban is imposed for reasons of public security and state order. To fly within these areas, a specific authorization from the Ministry of Justice | Department of Prison Administration (DAP) is required.
3. The small triangle in the lower right: Lido Airport (LIPV)
Lido Airport, also known as Nicelli Airport, has its own dedicated airport red zone as well. Here too, flying in the Open Category is not allowed.
Where can you fly in the Open Category?
If you are in the yellow areas outside the red squares and circles, for example in some parts of Venice or the Lagoon, an A2 certificate and a Class C0 or C1 drone may be sufficient, provided you also have clearance from the Municipality, of course.
And what about the red square zones, the prisons? In those areas, a specific authorization issued by the Ministry of Justice is required. Without that document, taking off is effectively the same as inviting a criminal complaint. However, the procedure can also be handled by a pilot operating in the Open Category.
The large red circular zone: why your C0 or C1 drone cannot fly here
Let’s get to the point.
Do you want to fly in the red zone of the Venice Hospital heliport or the Lido di Jesolo airport?
St. Mark’s Square and a large part of the Grand Canal are located right here.
We have bad news for you: from January 1 onward, the Open Category can no longer operate in these areas.
To enter these red zones, EASA regulations, according to circular ATM-09, require a strict procedure: submitting a request for an airspace reservation, which results in the issuance of a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen).
But be careful: not everyone is allowed to request a NOTAM.
The requirements: STS certificate and a Class C5 drone, equipped with a flight termination system and parachute.
This is the part that stops 99% of pilots.
From January 1, 2026, in order to obtain clearance from ENAV and ENAC to fly in these red areas, it is mandatory to operate under Standard Scenarios (STS-01).
This means that:
The pilot must hold the specific STS qualification.
The drone must be Class C5.
What does Class C5 mean?
It means that the drone must be equipped with a flight termination system (FTS) and a certified parachute.
If you do not have these devices, the flight authorization request under circular ATM-09 will not even be taken into consideration.
Why choose Overfly.Me for your missions in Venice
Flying in Venice, especially in the areas of greatest interest, is not a game and it is not an activity for hobbyists, no matter how experienced they may be.
Since 2014, at Overfly.Me we have built our reputation precisely on our ability to manage this kind of complexity.
We are ready for STS-01: we have pilots qualified for standard scenarios and a fleet of Class C5 drones (or drones equipped with certified conversion kits).
We handle ATM-09: we know how to deal with ENAC and ENAV and how to submit airspace reservation requests in order to obtain your NOTAM within a defined timeframe.
Ministerial authorizations: whether it involves flying over prisons or monumental areas, we take care of the entire bureaucratic process with the Ministry of Justice and the local authorities.
Guaranteed safety: our parachute is not just a regulatory requirement, it is the assurance that your project, and the safety of Venice, are in expert hands.
Do not take risks, fly professionally
Venice is a one-of-a-kind city, and its airspace restrictions exist to protect that uniqueness. Relying on an operator who does not have the required technical qualifications (Class C5) or the necessary authorizations (STS) means exposing yourself to very heavy penalties and the risk of the drone being seized.
If you need spectacular aerial footage, technical inspections, or photogrammetric surveys in Venice, choose the safe route.
Overfly.me gives you the experience, the paperwork, and the technology to turn a “Red Zone” into an area where operations can be carried out legally, within the limits of the law, of course.
Contact us today and find out how we can make your mission in the Lagoon possible, in full compliance and safety.
