Displays and events guidance
Planning an event? Guidance for displays, fireworks, lasers and more.
Fireworks, lasers and sky lantern releases
As fireworks and laser shows can distract or endanger aircraft, we offer guidance for anyone planning a major firework, laser show or sky lantern release. If we know of a major event we can alert pilots and air traffic control in advance.
We are able to offer advice on any sort of event and strongly recommend that you contact us if you are planning a show near an airfield or where aircraft regularly fly.
Tell us about an upcoming event involving lasers, fireworks, toy balloons or sky lanterns. (To use this service, you will need to apply for an account on the CAA Customer Portal and request access to Airspace Co-ordination and Obstacle Management Service (ACOMS). Further guidance on obtaining an ACOMS account is available within the ACOMS Portal Registration User Guide.)
For information relating to guidance for upcoming shows and events please see CAP 736.
Air display applications
If you are planning a flying display that will be advertised and open to the public then you will need permission from us.
Guidance for display or event organisers
Tethered unmanned gas balloons
In the UK, permission is needed to fly tethered unmanned gas balloons that are:
- at or above 60 metres
- within an aerodrome traffic zone
- within notified airspace