Aviation News – The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved Windracers to operate the country’s first international civil drone flight, marking a milestone in cross-border unmanned aviation.
The approval, announced on 26 September 2025, allows the British drone manufacturer to operate its heavy-lift Windracers ULTRA between Tingwall Airport in the Shetlands and Haugesund Airport in Norway. The CAA worked in partnership with Luftfartstilsynet, Norway’s aviation authority, to authorize the mission. This is the first time a civil unmanned aerial system (UAS) has been cleared to fly between UK and foreign airspace.
The project involves a 378-kilometre (235-mile) corridor across the North Sea, facilitated through temporary danger areas that create a controlled airspace path. The drone will operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), crossing the Scottish/Polaris Flight Information Region into Norwegian airspace.
Windracers’ ULTRA drone is a dual-use, heavy-lift aircraft designed for both civil and defence operations. Its long-range capabilities and unmanned design enable efficient cargo transport across difficult routes, potentially reducing reliance on traditional air freight and maritime logistics.
“This approval is a significant step in advancing the safe integration of unmanned systems into international airspace,” a Windracers spokesperson said. “It demonstrates the potential of drones to support logistics, emergency response, and commercial transport across borders.”
The development paves the way for wider adoption of drone technology in civil aviation, including medical supply delivery, disaster relief, and commercial cargo operations. Authorities in both countries emphasized the importance of controlled corridors to ensure safety during such pioneering flights.
With regulatory cooperation now established, future cross-border drone services may expand across Europe, transforming how remote regions and international partners manage air logistics. The Shetland–Norway flight serves as a testbed for broader applications, strengthening confidence in unmanned aerial transport.
Photo Rob Vogelaar
