Belgium enforces strict drone rules near Brussels Airport and tests police surveillance drones on its coast

In the municipality surrounding Brussels Airport, Belgian authorities have tightened drone regulations. All drones, including small hobby models, must be registered with the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport, and operators must obtain flight approval through the DAA Planner before flying in controlled airspace. Violations can lead to police intervention, hefty fines, and seizure of the drone.

Along the Belgian North Sea coast, police forces are trialing a larger surveillance drone capable of vertical take‑off and equipped with infrared cameras. Deployed between Ostend and the Dutch border, the drone is intended to detect illegal migration attempts toward the United Kingdom. Two officers operate the system – one pilots the aircraft while the other monitors the camera feeds. Police chief Dimitri Vandamme said the tool helps cover extensive beach areas where deploying a officer every 100 metres is impractical.