Airservices Australia has outlined a transition to automated drone-flight approvals through its Flight Information Management System (FIMS), with an onboarding round for existing app providers expected from October 30, 2026.
That is an expected onboarding date, rather than confirmation that every service has launched. The official guidance says a 12-month transition starts when the first airspace authorisation is issued through FIMS.
What changes for providers and operators?
Providers seeking to offer the new approvals must connect as UAS Service Suppliers. Existing providers can continue using the CASA Digital Platform at the ten trial aerodromes until they transition or the transition period ends.
The guidance identifies 28 civil controlled aerodromes for eligible commercial operations. Approval remains conditional on the authorised area and operating criteria; more complex requests still require assessment.
FIMS does not replace a full flight briefing
Airservices says the initial release supplies static aeronautical information, without NOTAM or AIP Supplement data. Operators must continue obtaining current operational information from approved sources, including NAIPS for NOTAMs. A digital authorisation alone is not a complete flight-planning information package.
See Flyzeu’s Australia aviation coverage.
Archive drone photograph dated May 21, 2024; location unverified, not a FIMS-authorised operation. Photo: safaritravelplus, via Wikimedia Commons, CC0. Resized and compressed to WebP.
