Increasing drone traffic and a lack of transparency are turning low-altitude airspace into a safety-critical zone
Frankfurt am Main, May 11, 2026 – Amid increasing drone traffic, complex regulations, and growing safety requirements in low-altitude airspace, DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung and Droniq view greater transparency regarding flight movements as a key prerequisite for safe integration and legitimate use.
Drones are increasingly being used for inspections, security tasks, logistics, rescue operations, and private applications. Air traffic in low-altitude airspace—that is, at altitudes of up to 120 meters—is rising accordingly: In Frankfurt alone, over 1,000 drone flights were recorded in April of this year [1].
At the same time, unauthorized or unidentifiable drone sightings are increasingly coming under the scrutiny of authorities, infrastructure operators, and security officials. This highlights a challenge that has often been underestimated: in many areas, there is a lack of transparency regarding who is flying, when, and where in low-altitude airspace.
“With the increasing use of low-altitude airspace by unmanned aircraft, transparency is becoming a key safety factor,” says Arndt Schoenemann, CEO of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH. “Visibility is essential in this context to enable legitimate use and to better assess the risks posed by non-cooperative drones.”
Against this backdrop, Droniq sees its role as helping to shape the management of low-altitude airspace. The goal is to create the foundation for safety, classification, and legitimate use through increased visibility. With the new TraX app, Droniq combines this vision into a mobile application that integrates regulatory guidance, real-time air traffic awareness, and active visualization. As the only app of its kind currently available, its real-time air traffic awareness feature was specifically developed to provide a comprehensive view of low-altitude air traffic, thereby creating a situational overview tailored specifically to this sensitive airspace.
“Visibility is the foundation of safety in low-altitude air traffic,” says Jan-Eric Putze, CEO of Droniq GmbH. “Making legitimate flight movements transparent improves situational awareness in airspace, provides guidance for oneself and other air traffic participants, and supports responsible and sustainable drone operations.”
TraX replaces the previous Droniq Maps app and expands on its approach, shifting from pure flight planning to a stronger focus on visibility and operational transparency. The app is available for free download on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
[1] Source: Droniq GmbH
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Press contact
Droniq GmbH
Phil Stephan
Phone: +49 171 6099 747
E-mail: phil.stephan@droniq.de
About Droniq
Droniq GmbH is a joint venture founded in 2019 by DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung (51% share) and Deutsche Telekom (49% share). Based in Frankfurt am Main, the company's mission is to promote the professional and safe use of drones by public authorities and organizations with security tasks, as well as by companies.
The core of Droniq's product offering is the Droniq Traffic Management System for Drones (UTM). The UTM shows the pilot all surrounding air traffic - manned and unmanned. Furthermore, the other air traffic participants can also see the drone if necessary. With this system, which is unique in Germany, Droniq creates the basis for using drones safely beyond visual range.
Other services offered by Droniq include the sale of drones for commercial and government use, as well as hardware and software solutions for safe operation. Furthermore, the company supports its customers in applying for operating permits and advises on mission planning. With its Drones-as-a-Service division, Droniq also carries out aerial surveys for its customers as needed and handles all related requirements.
With its Droniq Academy, located in Frankfurt and Mönchengladbach, Droniq also offers the opportunity to complete training courses and exams for remote pilots. Droniq's customers include federal and state police units, fire departments, rescue services, and companies in the chemical, logistics, construction, and security sectors.
