Monaco Yacht Show 2026 Bans Drone Flights from 19–27 September

The Monaco Yacht Show 2026 has confirmed a temporary prohibition on drone operations around the event, running from 08:00 on 19 September until 18:00 on 27 September. The restriction covers the period immediately before, during and after the show, which takes place in Port Hercule from 23 to 26 September.

According to the show organiser, only its official service provider is authorised to operate a drone for MYS media requirements during the restricted period. The rule is directly relevant to yacht crews, owners’ representatives, photographers, videographers and exhibitors planning aerial imagery while yachts are arriving, berthed or departing Monaco.

The restriction starts before the show opens

The prohibition begins four days before the first public day of Monaco Yacht Show. That means yacht teams should not assume drone flights are permitted simply because the exhibition itself has not yet opened, particularly during arrival, setup and pre-show photography.

The restriction also continues until the evening after the show closes. Captains and media teams planning post-show departure footage therefore need to account for the full published window rather than the four exhibition dates alone.

Only the official MYS provider is authorised

The Monaco Yacht Show states that only its official provider may operate drones for the organiser’s media needs. The event FAQ warns that unauthorised operation can result in a fine under Article 2-2 of Monaco’s Penal Code.

For yacht managers and captains, the safest operational approach is to treat private or contractor drone use as prohibited throughout the published period unless a specific authority confirms otherwise in writing. Separate permissions for filming elsewhere in Monaco should not be interpreted as permission to fly a drone during the MYS restriction.

Photography rules remain separate

Conventional photography and video inside the show remain subject to MYS accreditation and access rules. A press pass allows photo and video capture within the show grounds, but access aboard individual yachts still requires permission from the exhibitor or yacht representative.

The drone restriction is therefore an additional operational limit rather than a general ban on event photography. Crews bringing media teams to Monaco should brief them before arrival so equipment plans, shot lists and contracted deliverables do not depend on unauthorised aerial filming.