This means that from next week onwards, drone operators will have to request permission from Cork air traffic control to fly their drone two days before they intend to do so. The IAA said the temporary restrictions on VLOS systems would be to ensure the safe conduct of BVLOS operations over the city. Only a handful of drone operators have a license to fly BVLOS. Currently, there are no BVLOS operators in Cork, but it is understood that this will change following the new measures. The IAA is now conducting a targeted consultation of airspace users on its proposal to make these measures permanent in Cork City to support BVLOS operations.

Source: Irish Examiner February 09, 2026 18:22 UTC