Shanghai will open “free-to-fly” zones in the city for drones from February 1, reports the South China Morning Post. The move is part of streamlined regulations designed to support the country’s development of a low-altitude economy.
According to Shanghai’s new guidelines for civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), consumer drones will be allowed to fly in certain “suitable airspace” in the city without prior declaration, provided these devices are registered. These include UAVs categorised as micro, light and small drones.
The free-to-fly zones covered around 46% of the city’s administrative areas, according to Tuesday’s municipal government briefing.