tech
April 16, 2026
Drone market takes flight: more than 500 companies projected to be certified in the coming years
The drone market is taking flight. Photo: iStock
TL;DR
- Drones are now crucial tools in Colombian sectors like agriculture, mining, security, and logistics.
- Colombia is a leading country in drone regulation and industry attractiveness in the Americas, second only to the US, Canada, and Brazil.
- The country's regulatory framework, the Colombian Aeronautical Regulation (RAC 100), enables the drone industry.
- Colombia has over 5,000 certified UAS pilots, more than 8,300 registered aircraft, and 137 companies in certification, with projections for over 500 companies.
- Drone operations are categorized as 'open' (low risk) or 'specific' (higher complexity requiring certification).
- Flight authorizations increased significantly from 2024 to 2025, indicating industry growth.
- New regulations, like Resolution 00998 of 2025, mandate specific requirements for commercial services.
- Urban drone flights have stricter rules, including height limits (400 feet), visual contact, and minimum distances from people and infrastructure.
- Rural areas offer more flexibility for applications like agricultural monitoring and cargo transport.
- Drones are impacting transportation, security, infrastructure, agriculture, and mining by increasing efficiency.
- Regions like Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Bogotá, Meta, Valle del Cauca, and Santander lead in authorized drone operations.
- Challenges include enforcing regulations and managing drone entry requirements through Dian and VUCE.
- The future focus is on strengthening the ecosystem, promoting formalization, and leveraging drone technology in key economic sectors.