Dushanbe bans drone launches until September 12: What the rules require

Dushanbe has temporarily grounded every drone in the capital. The ban covers all unmanned aerial devices and remains in force until September 12, the city's Main Directorate of Internal Affairs said.

“For security purposes, from today until September 12 of the current year, the use of any aerial devices (drones) is prohibited on the territory of the city of Dushanbe,” the department said. It urged residents and drone owners to comply strictly and refrain from launching aircraft in the capital until the restriction expires.

The police did not explain what prompted the ban. The article suggests it may be connected to festive events being held in Dushanbe to mark the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan's independence, but the authorities did not confirm that link.

The temporary order sits within a broader system of controls on drones in Tajikistan. Under the country's Air Code, unmanned aerial vehicles must be registered according to their purpose, and flights by aircraft requiring registration are prohibited without the necessary certificate. Registration alone, however, does not authorize a flight anywhere or at any time.

The law provides for permission and notification procedures for using airspace. Users generally need permission from the unified air traffic management system and must notify the relevant authorities before a flight, including details such as the route and altitude. Authorities can also temporarily restrict specific areas. Separate permission is required for aerial photography, filming, audio and video recording, and other forms of remote sensing from an aircraft.

The article also notes that rules approved in 2016 expired on September 27, 2025. Those rules included licensing requirements for importing, exporting, selling and using drones. Drone users are therefore advised to follow the current air legislation and the latest requirements issued by aviation and law enforcement authorities.

“

For security purposes, from today until September 12 of the current year, the use of any aerial devices (drones) is prohibited on the territory of the city of Dushanbe.