If you fly a drone in Malta, an important change is coming that could have a significant impact on your insurance coverage.

Coverdrone has announced that, effective 10 September 2026, any insurance claim arising from a drone flight conducted in Malta will require proof that the appropriate Transport Malta flight authorisation was obtained before the flight took place.

While this has always been a legal requirement under Maltese regulations, Coverdrone has confirmed that it will now strictly enforce this requirement when assessing insurance claims.

What Has Changed?

Coverdrone has advised its customers that, from 10 September 2026, claims relating to drone flights in Malta will only be considered if the operator can provide evidence that the required flight authorisation was in place at the time of the operation.

Previously, Coverdrone had, in some cases, honoured claims even when the necessary authorisation had not been obtained. This will no longer be the case.

What Does Transport Malta Require?

Under the current requirements of the Transport Malta Civil Aviation Directorate, every drone flight involving a drone equipped with a camera requires prior flight authorisation, regardless of:

• The weight of the drone.

• Whether the flight is recreational or commercial.

• Whether the operation takes place in a controlled or uncontrolled area.

This means that even operators flying lightweight drones under 250g with built-in cameras are expected to obtain flight approval before flying.

Why This Matters

Insurance policies generally require that flights are conducted legally and in accordance with the regulations of the country in which the drone is being operated.

From 10 September 2026, if you are unable to demonstrate that your flight had the required authorisation, Coverdrone may be unable to process or settle your insurance claim.

This could have serious financial consequences in the event of:

• Damage to your drone.

• Damage to third-party property.

• Injury to another person.

• Any incident giving rise to a liability claim.

What Should Drone Operators Do?

To ensure your insurance remains valid, you should:

• Submit every planned flight through the Transport Malta online flight authorisation system.

• Wait until your authorisation has been granted before operating your drone.

• Keep a copy of your approved authorisation for your records.

• Ensure every flight complies with all applicable Maltese and EASA regulations.

Maintaining a record of your authorisations can help demonstrate compliance if you ever need to submit an insurance claim.

A Reminder to the Drone Community

Many drone operators in Malta have become accustomed to flying without requesting authorisation, particularly for small drones. However, this latest announcement reinforces the importance of following the established legal requirements.

Whether you fly for photography, videography, inspections, surveying, FPV, or recreational purposes, obtaining the necessary authorisation is no longer simply about regulatory compliance—it is now essential to protect your insurance coverage.

Final Thoughts

This change should serve as an important reminder that compliance with local aviation regulations is not optional. Taking a few minutes to obtain the necessary flight authorisation could make the difference between a successful insurance claim and one that is declined.

As responsible drone operators, we should all work towards safer, legal, and more professional operations that protect ourselves, our clients, and the wider drone community.