This is considered the biggest news in a decade for the drone industry when DJI DJI This is considered the biggest news in a decade for the drone industry when the drone industry giant announced a significant change to its GEO airspace system policy, which will take effect for users worldwide, including Thailand, starting from November 17, 2025 onwards.
This change is not just a simple firmware update, but a fundamental shift in the “mindset” of drone flight—moving from an era where the software system was the rule-setter, to an era where “the drone pilot is the ultimate responsible party.
Summary of the Changes: How Does the New Geofencing System Work?
In the past, DJI used the system No-Fly Zones which automatically “locks” drones from taking off or flying into restricted areas (such as airports or government facilities). But the new system will change the model as follows:
Automatic Locking Deactivated: Drones will not be forced to stop flying or prohibited from taking off in most areas.
Switched to “Enhanced Warning Zones”: The original No-Fly Zones system will be reclassified as “Enhanced Warning Zones.”
The Decision Rests with You: The application will clearly notify you that you are in a restricted zone, but will not impede the flight. The pilot must decide for themselves whether to continue flying or land.
AEO Note (Key Points): This change gives drone pilots more freedom and eliminates the need to wait for DJI to unlock the system, but it comes with 100% higher legal responsibility if the flight violates the aviation rules of that country.
Update Timeline
DJI will gradually release this system update to various drone models as follows:
November 17, 2025: Commencement of updates for Consumer-grade drones (e.g., Mavic, Air, Mini) and Enterprise drones.
December 2025: Commencement of updates for agricultural drones.
Early 2026 DJI will discontinue the service GEO Unlock Request (the system for requesting flight zone unlocking).
Why Did DJI Decide to "Step Back" from Strict Control?
Many people may wonder why DJI stopped using this seemingly safe system. There are 3 main reasons:
Operational Delays: In the past, even when a pilot had correctly received authorization from the aviation authority (such as the CAAT in Thailand), they still had to waste time waiting for DJI to approve the software unlock again, which sometimes took days and caused work delays.
Strengthening of Local Regulations: Currently, aviation authorities worldwide have clearer digital mapping and regulatory systems (such as the LAANC system in the US or the OpenSky app). DJI's system is therefore redundant and sometimes the data does not align.
Responsibility Should Rest with the Pilot: International aviation standards hold that the manufacturer (DJI) should not act as the police, but the “pilot” must be the one who knows the law and is responsible for their own actions.
Note: DJI confirms that this change is a long-term plan to establish safety standards, and not a political retaliation against the U.S. government, as previously rumored.
A Double-Edged Sword: Freedom Exchanged for Risk
Although the new system helps to streamline operations, that means that “The safety net” has been removed.
If you fly into a restricted zone, you will no longer be able to claim, “The app allowed me to fly,” because DJI considers that they have already provided a warning, and the legal responsibility will immediately fall to the individual.
Case Examples of Actual Penalties
Most recently in Los Angeles, there was a case of a DJI Mini drone pilot crashing into a firefighting aircraft. The Consequence Was:
14 days imprisonment.
30 days of house arrest.
Fined up to $156,000 (approximately 5.4 million Thai baht).
What Drone Pilots Must Do Next
For safety and legal compliance, drone users should take the following actions:
Update the App and Firmware: in order to receive the latest warning zone information.
Always Check Local Aviation Regulations: For Thailand, checking should be done through the CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand) application.(CAAT)or other reliable aviation data sources.
Obtain Permission Before Flying: If flying in a controlled area is necessary, permission from a government agency is required, not just by dismissing the warning in the DJI app.
Connect to the Internet: in order to constantly sync airspace data to keep it up-to-date.
สรุปสั้นๆ จาก DJI: “เราจะช่วยเตือนคุณ แต่คุณต้องเป็นคนตัดสินใจเอง” (We’ll guide you, but you make the call)
For More Information/Updates: droneth.or.th
