Manna Air Delivery has applied for permission to conduct beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights within the Cork Air Traffic Control Zone, marking a significant step in expanding commercial drone delivery services in Ireland. If approved, the move would enable routine long-range operations over parts of Cork city under controlled airspace procedures.
The proposal is currently under review by the Irish Aviation Authority in coordination with AirNav Ireland. To accommodate BVLOS operations safely, authorities are considering the establishment of a UAS Geographical Zone (UGZ) within the Cork control zone. Such a designation would introduce specific operating requirements and coordination procedures for unmanned aircraft flying in the area.
Under the proposed framework, drone operators would need to submit advance coordination requests to air traffic control before conducting flights within the designated zone. This structured approach is intended to ensure safe integration between crewed aviation and unmanned aircraft operating beyond the pilot’s direct visual line of sight.
BVLOS capability is critical for scaling commercial drone delivery services, as it allows operators to control aircraft over longer distances without maintaining constant visual contact. Manna has previously demonstrated large-scale delivery operations in Dublin and aims to replicate similar services in Cork, expanding access to rapid aerial delivery for residential and commercial customers.
However, the proposal has prompted discussion within the broader drone community. Some local operators have raised concerns about how airspace adjustments could affect recreational and professional visual line of sight drone flights. As part of the regulatory process, aviation authorities are engaging with stakeholders to assess the operational impact and determine whether the proposed airspace structure should be temporary or permanent.
Emergency and priority services will retain unrestricted access to the airspace, ensuring that search and rescue, medical and law enforcement operations are not impeded by commercial drone activity.
The application reflects a broader European trend toward enabling BVLOS drone operations within controlled airspace, balancing innovation in urban air mobility with stringent aviation safety standards.
