The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Dovestones Reservoir, Manchester) (Emergency) (No. 2) (Revocation) Regulations 2026
Revoked the emergency flight restrictions over Dovestones Reservoir in Manchester with immediate effect.
This instrument removes emergency flight restrictions previously imposed on the airspace surrounding Dovestones Reservoir in Manchester.
It restores the legal right for aircraft and drones to operate in the area by revoking the emergency regulations that had prohibited such activity.
The order applies to all pilots and aircraft operators and took effect at 3.55 p.m. on 3 August 2026.
Arguments For
The Secretary of State asserts that it is no longer necessary in the public interest to restrict flying in this specific area.
The explanatory note states that the emergency situation which necessitated the original restrictions has passed.
The instrument follows the procedure established by article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 for managing emergency airspace.
Arguments Against
Local residents or emergency services might express concern if they perceive the underlying situation at the reservoir to be unresolved despite the revocation.
Pilots and drone operators may face confusion regarding the exact timing of the lifting of restrictions if they rely on delayed aeronautical updates rather than the immediate commencement of this instrument.
Citation and commencement
- These Regulations may be cited as the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Dovestones Reservoir, Manchester) (Emergency) (No. 2) (Revocation) Regulations 2026 and they come into force with immediate effect.
This section establishes the official name of the regulations.
It mandates that the legal changes occur immediately upon the signing of the document at 3.55 p.m. on 3 August 2026.
Revocation of Regulations
- The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Dovestones Reservoir, Manchester) (Emergency) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 are revoked.
This provision cancels the previous statutory instrument (S.I. 2026/811) that had prohibited flying in the vicinity of Dovestones Reservoir.
By revoking the earlier regulations, it removes the legal barriers to aircraft entry in that specific airspace.
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