The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Cambridge) Regulations 2026

Published: Fri 17th Jul 26

Restricted the operation of unmanned aircraft in Cambridge on 20 July 2026 due to a Royal visit.

These Regulations prohibit the flight of unmanned aircraft at or below 1,100 feet above mean sea level within a specified area of Cambridge on 20 July 2026.

The restrictions apply between 09:00 and 15:00 UTC to facilitate security for a Royal visit.

The mandate applies to all drone operators, though it allows for exceptions where permission is granted by the Cambridgeshire Police Drone Team.

Arguments For

The Secretary of State asserts that the restrictions are necessary in the public interest because of a scheduled Royal visit to Cambridge.
The Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport state that the measures are required to ensure public safety and security during the event.
The document cites Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 as the legal basis for exercising these powers.

Arguments Against

Operators of unmanned aircraft may face restricted access to airspace they normally use for commercial or recreational purposes.
The restriction relies on specific geographical coordinates which may require precise technical mapping for drone operators to ensure compliance.
Individuals seeking to fly within the zone must obtain specific permission from the Cambridgeshire Police Drone Team, creating a temporary administrative requirement.

Citation and commencement

These Regulations may be cited as the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Cambridge) Regulations 2026 and they come into force on 20th July 2026.

This section establishes the official name of the regulations and sets the date they become legally active. The rules take effect on 20 July 2026.

Interpretation

The times referred to in regulation 3(1) are Co-ordinated Universal Time( b ).

( b ) Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC) is one hour behind British Summer Time (BST).

This section defines the time standard used throughout the document.

It clarifies that all listed times are in Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is one hour behind British Summer Time.

Restricted airspace

-(1) Subject to paragraph (2), during the period beginning with 0900 hours and ending with 1500 hours on 20th July 2026 no unmanned aircraft is to fly below 1,100 feet above mean sea level within the area bounded by the following points-

(a) 521349N, 0000440E,
(b) 521255N, 0000754E,
(c) 521217N, 0001033E,
(d) 521058N, 0001010E,
(e) 521122N, 0000703E,
(f) 521222N, 0000354E, and
(g) 521349N, 0000440E.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any unmanned aircraft flying in accordance with a permission issued by the Cambridgeshire Police Drone Team.

This section prohibits unmanned aircraft from flying below 1,100 feet within a specific geographical boundary defined by seven sets of coordinates.

The restriction is active from 09:00 to 15:00 UTC on 20 July 2026.

It creates an exemption for operators who receive prior authorization from the Cambridgeshire Police Drone Team.

View Source

Environment Local Government Transport

The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Yorkshire Wildlife Park, South Yorkshire) (Emergency) (Revocation) Regulations 2026

Thu 15th Oct 26

Revoked the emergency flight restrictions over Yorkshire Wildlife Park with immediate effect.

Civil Liberties Economy Finance Foreign Policy Justice

The Global Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Sanctions (Overseas Territories) Order 2026

Thu 15th Oct 26

Extended UK human rights and international humanitarian law sanctions to specific British overseas territories and established local enforcement frameworks.

Housing Justice Local Government