The River Thames provides an incredible backdrop for drone filming in London, offering unmatched cityscape views, historic landmarks, and open-air flight opportunities. At Cinecraft, we specialise in supporting productions with drone filming logistics, permit assistance, and expert marine coordination to ensure fully compliant operations over the river.
Operating drones over the River Thames requires multiple permissions due to controlled airspace and waterway restrictions. We assist productions with securing:
✔️ Port of London Authority (PLA) Filming Licenses & UAV Permits – Essential for any drone flights over the Thames.
✔️ NATS Airspace Approvals (EGR158, R157, R159) – Covering restricted airspace zones over central London.
✔️ London City Airport (EGLC) Coordination – Managing approvals when filming within London City Airport airspace
📍 Did you know?
The area west of Tower Bridge, including City Hall, falls under EGR158 airspace restrictions. These require specific approvals, and we ensure a smooth process when working within this zone.
In February, we worked with Drone Motion, providing expert guidance on securing PLA permits for drone filming near City Hall and the west side of Tower Bridge—an area within EGR158 airspace. Our team:
✅ Assisted with the legalities of take-off and landing near the river, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
✅ Coordinated with the PLA and relevant authorities to secure approvals for their aerial shoot.
✅ Had a film boat on standby in case water-based take-off and landing were required due to land restrictions.
👉 Learn more about Drone Motion’s work here
Alongside our permit assistance, we provide dedicated boats for drone filming, offering:
✅ Drone Boat Charter – Designed for safe UAV take-off, landing & aerial tracking shots over the Thames.
✅ Film Boat Charter – Ideal for carrying camera crews & production teams, ensuring smooth operations on the water.
With our experience in drone filming logistics and vessel support, we make filming on the Thames hassle-free and fully compliant.
👉 Planning a drone shoot on the Thames? Let’s take care of the details.
📩 Email: hello@cinecraft.uk
We'll help you to select the most suitable boat for your drone filming needs.
Secure your slot with a simple deposit and a little bit of paperwork.
Depending on where you are filming you may need approval and we look after this for you
We’ll have the boat crew ready and waiting for you on your shoot day(s).
Get in touch with us with a brief of your project and the services needed for a tailored quote.
Get in touch to discuss your project and secure the right boat for your shoot. Let’s bring your vision to life on the water!🚤🎬