The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Dovestones Reservoir, Manchester) (Emergency) (Revocation) Regulations 2026
Revoked the emergency flight restrictions at Dovestones Reservoir, Manchester, with immediate effect.
This instrument removes the emergency flight restrictions previously imposed at Dovestones Reservoir, Manchester.
It restores standard airspace access by revoking the emergency regulations that prohibited flying in the specified area.
The order applies to all aircraft operators, including pilots of manned aircraft and remotely piloted UAS (drones), and takes effect immediately from 2:25 p.m. on 14 July 2026.
Arguments For
The Secretary of State states that it is no longer considered necessary in the public interest to restrict flying in the designated area.
The explanatory note indicates that the emergency situation which necessitated the original flight restrictions has passed.
Arguments Against
- No specific objections are recorded in the document, though the use of emergency powers under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 typically requires precise timing to ensure airspace safety is balanced against the rights of aircraft operators.
Citation and commencement
- These Regulations may be cited as the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Dovestones Reservoir, Manchester) (Emergency) (Revocation) Regulations 2026 and they come into force with immediate effect.
This section establishes the official name of the regulations.
It mandates that the rules take legal effect immediately upon being made at 2:25 p.m. on 14 July 2026.
Revocation of Regulations
- The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Dovestones Reservoir, Manchester) (Emergency) Regulations 2026 are revoked.
This section cancels the specific law (S.I. 2026/808) that previously prohibited or restricted flying in the Dovestones Reservoir area.
By revoking that statutory instrument, it removes the legal barriers to entry for aircraft in that airspace.
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