The Spanish framework is now complete
The transposition of Regulations 2021/664, 2021/665 and 2021/666 into Spanish law, completed by AESA's latest technical instruction, closes the regulatory cycle launched in 2021. Spain now has all the elements required for a U-space to become operationally active: definition of geographic volumes, designation of the single Common Information Service Provider (CISP) and an authorisation regime for U-space Service Providers (USSPs).
What operators can do today
Operators with C5/C6 class drones and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) projects can already apply for authorisation to operate in U-space zones, provided they evidence four essential requirements: airworthiness certificate (specific or certified category), connection to an authorised USSP, operations plan approved by AESA and third-party liability insurance compliant with the new regime.
The operations plan is the document consuming the most time in applications. AESA is demanding robust evidence on the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) and, for BVLOS operations, a clear correlation between operational mitigations and command-and-control procedures with the USSP.
The insurance bottleneck
The insurance regime has been adapted to the specificities of U-space. Traditional drone policies do not automatically cover operations in U-space volumes, because they do not contemplate the joint and several liability assumed by the operator in the event of a CISP or USSP failure. The London Lloyd's market has already published specific wordings, but the majority of Spanish operators carry local policies that require endorsements.
What's coming in 2026
The next six regulatory phases focus on integration with manned aviation and on the sanctions regime. AESA is preparing guidance on tactical information exchange (DSS, Discovery and Synchronisation Service), and the first U-space-specific schedule of infringements is expected to be published before year-end.
For operators, the message is clear: the framework is in place, the opportunity is there, but operational documentation is the real barrier to entry.