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CTR · CIVIL AIRPORT

Drone filming in the Rotterdam CTR

Rotterdam, the port and surroundings · EHRD · what it takes and how Skymotion handles it

The skyline, the Erasmus Bridge, Kop van Zuid and the port: Rotterdam is one of the most filmed Dutch cities from the air. Much of the city and part of the port lie inside the CTR of Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Then there is the port itself: in 2026 the Port of Rotterdam Authority is tightening its oversight of drones, with notification, admission and authorisation of flights. Skymotion knows both processes.

The Rotterdam CTR covers Rotterdam and surrounding municipalities, including parts of the port. Exactly where the boundary and zones run differs per spot — we check that per location. Want to see where the CTR is yourself? It is on the GoDrone map ↗.

Airport
Rotterdam The Hague Airport
ICAO
EHRD
CTR type
Civil airport
Requests
Mission plan with LVNL — we file it
Radio contact
With the tower — from 26-11-2026 not in every zone
Airspace class
C
CTR vertical limits
Ground to 3,000 ft (± 900 m) above sea level
Hours
24 hours a day (Approach 07:00–23:00)
Tower callsign
Rotterdam Tower
Zoning 26-11-2026
Yes, new zones
The CTR on the map

How big the Rotterdam CTR is

Drone zones from 26 Nov 2026CTR boundary only
  • Zone 1 Around the airport, 0–120 m: always in contact with air traffic control.
  • Zone 2A / 2B Ring of ± 2–5 km. 2A (0–45 m): no ATC needed. 2B (45–120 m): ATC needed, except within 30 m of buildings and obstacles.
  • Zone 3 Rest of the CTR, 0–120 m: no ATC needed.
  • Zone 4 Whole CTR above 120 m: ATC needed, except within 30 m of obstacles.
CTR boundaryHeight: Ground to 3,000 ft (± 900 m) above sea levelAirspace class: C
Indicative rendering based on the official boundary coordinates (AIP Nederland, AIRAC 10-2026). The drone zones apply from 26 November 2026 and are traced indicatively from the maps in the Dutch UAS zoning regulation (Stcrt. 2026, 33389), ± 100–200 m. Not for navigation: current boundaries and zones are in the AIP and on the GoDrone map ↗
Frequencies

Rotterdam CTR radio frequencies

Tower118.205 MHzRotterdam Tower24 hoursTap to copyApproach122.990 MHzRotterdam Approach07:00–23:00Tap to copyDelivery122.180 MHzRotterdam DeliveryStart-up and clearanceTap to copyATIS128.565 MHzRotterdam Information24 hoursTap to copy
Always useful
  • 124.300 Amsterdam InformationFlight information outside CTR/TMA
  • 132.350 Dutch Mil InfoMilitary areas and backup
  • 121.500 Emergency (guard)Monitor in an emergency

Source: AIP Netherlands (AIRAC 10-2026). Frequencies can change with each AIRAC cycle; we check them before every flight. For drones, the approved mission plan always applies.

What it takes to fly in the Rotterdam CTR

  • An operational authorisation in the Specific category from the Dutch ILT with the CTR privilege. Skymotion holds one.
  • A mission plan filed with LVNL. We file it 48 hours ahead; 24 hours ahead we learn which hours are approved.
  • On the day, two-way radio contact (RT) with the tower via a certified RT operator — except in the zones where this is no longer needed from 26 November 2026.
  • An approved plan is not a guarantee: the controller gives final permission at the time. So build a buffer into your shoot day.
  • Permission from the landowner or municipality where you take off and land, and a filming permit where needed.

How we work in Rotterdam, the port and surroundings

  • If your location is inside the CTR, we file the mission plan with LVNL and are in radio contact with Rotterdam Tower on the day.
  • In the port area we also notify the Port of Rotterdam Authority. Whether a location is in the CTR, the port area or both, we check per spot.
  • Over quays, bridges and streets we only close off during the take, with traffic marshals; for take-off and landing we keep 25 metres clear.

New zones from 26 November 2026

From 26 November 2026, parts of the Rotterdam CTR no longer require contact with air traffic control for Specific-category flights. Right around the runway and above 45 metres in the inner ring, radio contact remains required. Read all about the new CTR zoning →

ZoneHeight / positionFrom 26-11-2026
Zone 10–120 m · around the runway / airport groundsNothing changes: ATC/RT required.
Zone 2a0–45 m · inner ringSpecific-category flights without ATC.
Zone 2b45–120 m · inner ringMostly unchanged (ATC required), except a Specific flight within 30 m of buildings, structures or other obstacles: no ATC needed.
Zone 30–120 m · outer ringBoth Open and Specific without ATC.
Zone 4Above 120 m · upper CTR bandSame rule as 2b: ATC required, except Specific within 30 m of obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

Can you film with a drone in Rotterdam, the port and surroundings?

Yes, with the right authorisation. In the Rotterdam CTR you need a Specific-category authorisation with the CTR privilege, a filed mission plan and — in the zones where it is required — radio contact with the tower. Skymotion holds that authorisation and has a certified RT operator.

How far ahead should I plan a drone shoot in the Rotterdam CTR?

We file the mission plan 48 hours ahead; 24 hours ahead we know which hours are approved. Plan earlier if you can, so location, closures and permits are sorted too.

Does anything change on 26 November 2026 in the Rotterdam CTR?

Yes. In parts of this CTR, Specific-category flights no longer need contact with air traffic control: low (up to 45 m) in the inner ring, anywhere in the outer ring, and within 30 m of buildings. Close to the runway and higher up, RT remains required.

What frequency is the Rotterdam CTR tower on?

Rotterdam Tower on 118.205 MHz; also Rotterdam Approach 122.990, Rotterdam Delivery 122.180, Rotterdam Information 128.565. CTR vertical limits: Ground to 3,000 ft (± 900 m) above sea level (airspace class C). Source: AIP Netherlands, AIRAC 10-2026. Which frequency applies on the day is set in the approved mission plan.

Can you check whether my location works?

Yes. Send the address or a pin, the date and the shot you want. We check which zone it falls in, what is needed and whether there is an easier alternative nearby.

Shooting in the Rotterdam CTR?

Send your location, date and shot — we check what is needed.

Other CTRs

Pick another CTR on the map

Civil airportMilitary CTR

Click a dot for the rules and what is needed. The exact boundaries and zones of every CTR are on the GoDrone map ↗

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