The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published on 29 September 2025 an update to the risk assessment methodology for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). SORA 2.5 (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) has now been officially incorporated into EU UAS regulation through EASA Decision 2025/018/R. The decision entered into force immediately.
Transition from SORA 2.0 to SORA 2.5
EASA has implemented version SORA 2.5 through ED Decision 2025/018/R. The previous decision 2019/021/R, on which SORA 2.0 is based, remains valid and has not been repealed. Traficom currently accepts applications based on both SORA 2.0 and SORA 2.5. However, starting from 31 March 2026, only SORA 2.5 may be used when applying for new authorisations.
Applications based on SORA 2.0 that are received by 30 March 2026 will be processed in accordance with SORA 2.0.
Validity of SORA 2.0 operational authorisations
Operational authorisations already issued by Traficom under SORA 2.0 will remain valid until the expiry date specified in the authorisation.
Use of population density maps in ground risk assessment
A major change introduced with SORA 2.5 is the assessment of ground risk based on the actual population density of the area being overflown. In SORA 2.5 applications, the use of population density maps will be required for the purpose of ground risk assessment.
When an operator applies for an operational authorization in accordance with SORA 2.5, Traficom requires the operator to use geospatial data provided by Statistics Finland. For the ground risk assessment, the 1 km × 1 km grid database may be used until the 250 m × 250 m grid database is made publicly available. Operators may already, if necessary, use the fee-based 250 m × 250 m grid database.
The grid databases can be found on Statistics Finland’s website.
Population density can also be reviewed in the private web‑based Flyk map service by selecting the SORA filter in the settings. Flyk displays population density information at a 1 km × 1 km resolution.
EASA is currently developing a Europe‑wide population density map for ground risk assessment. Once completed, operators are encouraged to use it as a tool in their ground risk assessments. More information can be found on EASA’s website.
Forms and tools to be used
Traficom will publish the Finnish‑language forms as soon as the translations are completed. Until then, customers may use the English SORA 2.5 form and the Compliance Matrix tool when preparing their applications.
When applying for a SORA 2.5 operational authorisation, the application must be submitted using the SORA 2.5 form, and a completed Compliance Matrix document must be attached.
Corrected date in section "SORA 2.0 applications received by 31.3.2026 will be processed in accordance with SORA 2.0." to "SORA 2.0 applications received by 30.3.2026 will be processed in accordance with SORA 2.0."