FAQ n.142993

Yes, certain types of higher airspace operations are already taking place in Europe, mainly in experimental, research, or limited operational contexts. These include high-altitude research aircraft, High-Altitude Long-Endurance unmanned aircraft systems, and high-altitude balloon operations conducted for scientific, environmental monitoring, or communication purposes. However, such activities are currently managed on a case-by-case basis under existing national or ad-hoc regulatory arrangements, as there is no dedicated, harmonised European regulatory framework for Higher Airspace Operations yet. Large-scale commercial HAO operations do not yet exist in Europe.