The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Deri, South Wales) (Emergency) Regulations 2026
Prohibited unmanned aircraft flight below 4,000 feet within a 12.4 nautical mile radius of Deri, South Wales, to facilitate emergency services.
These Regulations prohibit the operation of unmanned aircraft at altitudes below 4,000 feet above mean sea level within a specified radius of Deri, South Wales.
This restriction applies to all unmanned aircraft, except those operating under the specific direction of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. The measures are issued under the Air Navigation Order 2016 in response to an active emergency situation in the region.
Arguments For
The Secretary of State asserts that these restrictions are necessary for reasons affecting the public interest due to an emergency arising in the specified area.
The explanatory note states that the restrictions are intended to support emergency response efforts by ensuring the safety of the airspace.
The document specifies that the measures are temporary and intended for revocation once the emergency has concluded.
Arguments Against
Legal observers may note that the regulations do not define the specific nature of the "emergency," leaving the justification for the restriction unspecified in the text.
Operators of unmanned aircraft may face immediate compliance challenges due to the "immediate effect" commencement, which provides no transition period for notification.
The geographic scope—a 12.4 nautical mile radius—covers a significant area, which may impact commercial or recreational drone activities unrelated to the emergency site.
Citation and commencement
- These Regulations may be cited as the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Deri, South Wales) (Emergency) Regulations 2026 and come into force with immediate effect.
This section establishes the official name of the regulations and mandates that they become legally binding immediately upon being made.
This removes the standard notice period usually required for new flight restrictions.
Restricted airspace
- No unmanned aircraft is to fly below 4,000 feet above mean sea level over the area specified in Column 1 of the Schedule, being an area bounded by a circle of the radius specified in Column 2 and centred on the position specified in Column 3.
- These Regulations do not apply to any unmanned aircraft flying in accordance with directions given by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
These provisions create a restricted zone where unmanned aircraft (drones) are forbidden from flying below 4,000 feet.
The restriction is lifted only for aircraft acting under the explicit instructions of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, allowing them to manage the airspace for emergency operations.
SCHEDULE
Regulation 2
Table 1
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | |-------------------|---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Specified area | Radius of circle | Position of centre of circle (latitude and longitude) | | Deri, South Wales | 12.4 nautical miles | 514229N 0031618W |
The Schedule defines the exact geographic boundaries of the flight restriction.
It specifies a circular zone with a radius of 12.4 nautical miles, centered on the coordinates 51°42'29"N and 003°16'18"W in Deri, South Wales.
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