• During 2025, AESA registered 30,620 new UAS operators, 26% more than the previous year.
• The territories with the highest number of operators are Andalusia (26,111), the Community of Madrid (25,067) and Catalonia (18,658).
• Regulatory advances such as the application of the SORA 2.5 methodology, the end of the adaptation of the No EASA operations to RD 517/2024 or the Means of Compliance for SAIL III stand out.
• AESA's participation in national and international groups such as SAIL III or JARUS consolidates Spain's European leadership in this sector.

 

Madrid, 21 January 2026 (AESA)

Spain has reached a new milestone in 2025 in the development of the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sector, exceeding 150,000 operators registered with the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA). At the end of the year, 150,332 registered operators were registered, an increase of 26% over the previous year. This fact reflects the sustained growth and consolidation of the use of drones in our country.

The Autonomous Communities with the highest number of registered operators are Andalusia (26,111), the Community of Madrid (25,067), Catalonia (18,658) and the Valencian Community (15,040). Also noteworthy are Castilla y León (8,739), Galicia (8,250) and the Canary Islands (7,939). In addition, 1,615 registered operators correspond to foreign operators.

The sector's momentum is also reflected in the field of training. During 2025, AESA has issued a total of 262,885 training certificates for operations with UAS. Of these, 142,809 correspond to pilots who have received the basic A1/A3 training necessary to carry out operations in these subcategories of the open category, which shows the interest in the safe operation of drones.

A year of regulatory challenges

Significant regulatory developments have taken place throughout 2025. Highlights the entry into force of the new SORA 2.5 methodology for risk assessment in the specific category, which is a step forward in harmonising and improving safety analyses applicable to more complex drone operations. AESA actively collaborates with EASA in the IAM Hub for the development of this type of applications at European level, and with the ESCAI collaborative framework, led by INECO, as an example of national application.

For non-EASA operators, such as police, search and rescue, firefighting or rescue activities, among others, the deadline for adapting to the requirements of the new regulatory framework for drones set out in Royal Decree 517/2024 ended in 2025. AESA has actively collaborated with non-EASA operators to support this transition. 

In addition, during this year, and in collaboration with EASA, the Means of Compliance package for SAIL III operations has been published, which will allow medium UAS flights in populated areas. This advance will require manufacturers and designers to adapt to new safety standards, reinforcing the commitment to an innovative and safe sector development.

First authorised pilot tests

AESA has worked hand in hand with the industry to issue authorizations to different pilot tests, which has meant an advance in the development of works in U-Space or logistics operations.

Highlights the different tests of transport of medical equipment between the hospitals of La Paz and Carlos III, within controlled environments; the first civil operations in upper airspace with unmanned HAPS (High-Altitude Platform Systems) platforms in Fuerteventura and Teruel; or delocalised pilotage authorisations. It also highlights the good reception of the predefined scenario of phytosanitary operations with more than 250 authorisations in force.

A promising horizon

In the face of upcoming regulatory challenges, AESA is working on the adoption of iConspicuity technologies that allow all airspace users to be visible to each other, driving more advanced operations such as flights beyond visual range (BVLOS) outside special or segregated areas, always under adequate safety conditions.

In addition, Spain continues to be at the forefront of European development of means of compliance and guides to support operators. Highlights the work of the SAIL III group, promoted by AESA together with industry; the ESCAI collaboration framework with INECO in the Riberira Sacra, and participation in JARUS (Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems) in the SORA 3.0 framework.

The medium-term objective is to evolve towards a collaborative airspace, with clear rules and safe operations. Between 2026 and 2027, and in coordination with European bodies, pilot zones are planned to validate these missions in real conditions, with a view to defining common operational standards.

In line with its commitment to the public sector, AESA closes a year of work aimed at strengthening the safe and orderly development of the UAS sector in Spain. The UAS section of the Agency’s website provides up-to-date regulatory information and the contents of the information days held with the sector, contributing to the safe and responsible use of drones.

About AESA

AESA is the State body, attached to the Secretary of State for Transport of the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, which ensures that civil aviation standards are complied with in all aeronautical activity in Spain.

The Agency has the missions of Supervision, Inspection and Management of Air Transport, Air Navigation and Airport Security. It assesses risks to transport safety and has the power to impose penalties for breaches of civil aviation rules.