28 June 2025

🛡️ Insurance Is Mandatory

Whether you’re flying for fun or for work, drone insurance is legally required in Malta and across the EU.

For recreational flights, you must have third-party liability insurance to cover any damage or injury your drone might cause — even with small drones.
For commercial flights, you must carry commercial-grade insurance with higher coverage, especially if flying in sensitive areas or working with clients.
Flying without insurance is a legal violation and can also put you at serious personal risk if an accident occurs.

🎯 Recreational vs. Commercial Flights

Understanding the difference between recreational and commercial use is crucial — it determines where you can fly, what licence you need, and the insurance required.

🟢 Recreational Use

Flights done for personal enjoyment only, with no client or third-party benefit.
Permitted only in non-urban areas (open countryside, rural locations).
You must have an A1/A3 licence if the drone weighs over 250g or lacks a C0 classification.
⚠️ Recreational flights are not allowed in towns, cities, or populated areas, even with a lightweight drone.

🟠 Commercial Use

Any flight conducted at the request of another person or company, whether paid or unpaid, is considered commercial.
This includes filming weddings, real estate, promotional content, or even offering free footage to a friend or organization.
For commercial use, you must have:

• An A2 licence (required for flying in or near urban areas)
• Commercial drone insurance

🆕 2024 Update: Understanding Drone Categories & Legacy Models

In 2024, new regulations came into full effect across the EU, changing how drones are classified. It's no longer just about weight — C-class markings (C0–C4) now determine what you're allowed to do.

✅ C0 Drones (Under 250g with C0 Marking)
Can be flown without a licence for recreational purposes
Allowed in urban areas (with operator registration and insurance)
Must still follow safety rules and distance requirements
❌ Legacy Drones (No C-Class Mark)
All drones without a C-class label are treated as Legacy Drones
Drones under 900g (including most DJI Mini models without a C0 label) default to C1 classification
C1 drones require an A1/A3 licence and may only be flown in non-urban areas
Example: A DJI Mini 2 or Mini 3 Pro (without a C0 mark) requires a licence and cannot be flown in Valletta, Sliema, or other towns recreationally.
Drone
Marked C-Class?
Licence Needed?
Urban Flying?
Use Case
DJI Mini 4 Pro (C0)
✅ Yes
❌ No*
✅ Yes*
Recreational/Urban
DJI Mini 2 (no mark)
❌ Legacy → C1
✅ A1/A3
❌ No
Recreational Only
DJI Mini 3 Pro (no mark)
❌ Legacy → C1
✅ A1/A3
❌ No
Recreational Only
DJI Mini 3 Pro (C0)
✅ Yes
❌ No*
✅ Yes*
Recreational/Urban
 
*Operator registration and insurance are still required for all drones with a camera.

🏛️ Special Restrictions in Valletta, Floriana & Mdina

Some areas in Malta are designated as highly sensitive or restricted airspace, especially:

Valletta (capital city, political and cultural centre)
Floriana (government district)
Mdina (historical heritage site)
In these areas, no recreational flights are permitted at all — regardless of drone weight or classification.

To fly in these locations, the following conditions must all be met:

The flight must be for commercial purposes
You must hold an A2 licence
You must have commercial drone insurance
You must present a formal Letter of Engagement from the client or commissioning party
Pre-authorization must be obtained from Transport Malta CAD and other relevant authorities
🚫 Any non-authorized drone flight in these areas is a serious violation and may result in fines or confiscation.

📌 Final Word

As drone pilots, we have a responsibility not just to create beautiful footage, but to operate legally and safely. With the 2024 updates, Malta’s drone laws are now fully aligned with EU standards — and that means:

Always insure your flights,
Know your category and drone classification,
Understand the limits of recreational vs. commercial use,
And never assume you can fly in cities or historic zones without proper authorisation.
If you're unsure about your licence or insurance requirements — or need help preparing for a commercial shoot — feel free to reach out for advice.