Yes, flying drones over private property in Turkey is legal but tightly controlled under national aviation and data protection laws. The Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) mandates strict compliance with flight altitudes, privacy protections, and local permits, particularly near urban or sensitive areas. Recent 2026 amendments to the Civil Aviation Regulations further restrict flights over private residences without explicit consent, aligning with GDPR-like privacy safeguards.
Key Regulations for Flying Drones Over Private Property in Turkey
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Flight Altitude and Distance: Drones must maintain a minimum horizontal distance of 50 meters from private property boundaries unless prior written consent is obtained from the property owner. Maximum altitude is capped at 120 meters above ground level (AGL), per SHGM’s Air Navigation Order (2026 Update).
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Privacy and Data Protection: Capturing images or videos of private property without consent violates the Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK), risking fines up to ₺5 million. Operators must anonymize identifiable individuals in footage unless explicit permission is granted.
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Permit Requirements: Commercial drone operations over private land require a Special Flight Permit from SHGM, while recreational flights exceeding 250 grams must register with the Turkish Air Traffic Control Authority (DHMI). Local municipalities may impose additional zoning restrictions.