Spain bans unauthorised drones and tightens air-space controls ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit
Spain’s National Police announced on 3 June that temporary flight-restriction zones and a blanket ban on civilian drones will cover Madrid, Barcelona and parts of the Canary Islands during Pope Leo XIV’s 6–12 June visit. Business-jet slots, sightseeing flights and even logistics drone operations will face curbs, while fines for violations can reach €225,000. Companies must prepare travellers for last-minute rerouting and tighter ID checks. The measures mark Spain’s most complex air-security operation since the 2022 NATO summit and foreshadow tougher EU drone rules later in 2026.
Jun 4, 2026
