DIAS, the Drone Industry Association Switzerland, has provided input on the EASA addendum to NPA 2026-103 concerning U-space simplification.
According to the association:
“EASA’s addendum to NPA 2026-103 provides an opportunity to move towards that approach.
”In our response, DIAS welcomes the authorities’ responsiveness and the proposed emphasis on progressive implementation. The proposed U-space Level 1 prioritises network identification and traffic information, aligning with services that our members consider valuable for situational awareness and the safe scaling of BVLOS operations.
“However, support for this direction does not mean that we support the proposed definition and conditions of Level 1 in their current form. Simplification needs to give national authorities sufficient flexibility to respond to actual risks and operational circumstances.
DIAS recommends refining the proposal in several areas.
- Allow decisions based on local risks and needs. Member States should be able to determine where Level 1 or Level 2 is appropriate, supported by risk assessments and consultation with local industry.
- Reconsider the exclusion of Level 1 from controlled airspace. Our response challenges the proposed blanket exclusion. Controlled-airspace classification alone should not determine the need for the full service package. Authorities should be able to assess whether Level 1, together with suitable mitigations, can meet the requirements of a particular environment.
- Give Level 1 room to support growth. Restricting its use too narrowly to very low traffic densities or sparsely populated areas could limit its usefulness and weaken the business case for service provision. Level 1 should accommodate multiple simultaneous BVLOS operations, including highly automated operations, where risks can be managed appropriately.
- Keep requirements proportionate for visual-line-of-sight operations. DIAS’s position is that VLOS operations should continue under their existing operating rules. Level 1 services should not become mandatory where they offer no clear additional safety benefit.
- Maintain clear responsibilities. U-space service providers should supply reliable and timely information. Drone operators should remain responsible for acting on that information and maintaining safe separation from other traffic.
Iin providing background to the recommendations DIAS says:
“This contribution builds on our U-space Working Group’s position paper following the Zürich field trial on 19 November 2025. Across both documents, our position is consistent: implementation should follow demonstrated operational needs, technological readiness and a sustainable business model,” according to the association. “The Zürich trial gave participating DIAS members an opportunity to assess U-space services in conditions approaching everyday operations. Their findings, documented in our January 2026 paper, highlighted significant gaps between the services demonstrated and operators’ practical requirements.”
“During the trial, functionality between different U-space service providers did not work, limiting the scenarios that could be tested. Operators also reported cumbersome registration processes, limited integration with existing flight systems, difficulty modifying flight plans and shortcomings in warnings and recovery procedures.
“These findings relate to the systems and conditions tested at that time. They nevertheless established an important requirement for future deployment: core functions should be demonstrated reliably and repeatedly before operators are asked to depend on them.
“The paper also raised a broader concern about strategic deconfliction as implemented during the trial. Reserving an airspace volume for a defined period could restrict other operations primarily according to who booked first, reducing the flexibility needed for many commercial and public safety missions.
DIAS therefore called for the implementation timetable to be reconsidered, alongside a closer examination of operator needs, service costs and long-term economic viability.”
For more information
DIAS Position on EASA NPA 2026-103_V3
20250115-U-Space trial Feedback_DIAS_V1.1
DIAS calls for practical and proportionate U-space simplification