Drone Rules for Chubu Centrair International Airport
Fly Status: Strictly Prohibited. Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) is a major international gateway built on an artificial island in Ise Bay. Flying a drone anywhere in its vicinity, including its approach and departure paths, is a federal crime under Japan’s Civil Aeronautics Act. Unauthorized flight poses a
No-Fly Zones: The airspace around Chubu Centrair is a mandatory no-fly zone. Any drone weighing 100g or more must be registered via the DIPS 2.0 system and is prohibited from entering airport-controlled airspace without explicit MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) approval.
Legal Framework: Operating a drone in restricted airport airspace without prior permission is a serious violation of the Civil Aeronautics Act. Penalties include imprisonment for up to one year or fines of up to ¥500,000.
Operational Requirements: Even in non-restricted areas of Japan, you must:
Maintain a 30-meter buffer from people, buildings, and vehicles.
Fly only during daylight hours and within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS).
Avoid flying over Densely Inhabited Districts (DID) or event sites without specific national approval.
How to be "Socially Accepted" and Lawful Do Not Fly Near NGO: The airport authority and local police monitor this critical maritime and aerial zone 24/7. Never attempt a launch near the airport island or its approach corridors.
Verify Airspace: Always check the DIPS 2.0 Map before planning any flight to confirm prohibited zones, heliports, and DID boundaries.
Respect Privacy: Drone use in residential or public areas is frequently reported by locals. To maintain your reputation, avoid flying near private property or in areas where public privacy is expected.
Join a Club: The most responsible way to fly is to use certified indoor drone facilities or designated outdoor sites in rural areas that are far removed from urban centers and aviation corridors.