The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Leicestershire) (Emergency) (Revocation) Regulations 2026
The Secretary of State exercised powers under the Air Navigation Order 2016 to immediately revoke the statutory instrument imposing emergency flying restrictions over a Leicestershire area because the emergency ceased to exist.
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Leicestershire) (Emergency) (Revocation) Regulations 2026 immediately terminate the emergency flight restrictions previously imposed over a specified area in Leicestershire, as the Secretary of State has determined that these restrictions are no longer necessary in the public interest.
These Regulations legally revoke the earlier 2026 instrument that established the restrictions, exercised under the powers granted by the Air Navigation Order 2016, and come into force instantly upon being made.
Arguments For
Ending unnecessary regulatory burden on airspace users once the emergency condition has passed.
Restoring normal operation of civil aviation activities over the specified Leicestershire area.
Maintaining the government's ability to swiftly impose and revoke emergency aviation restrictions when public interest justifies them.
Arguments Against
Potential public concern that the original emergency circumstances have been fully resolved, requiring clear communication regarding the safety justification for revocation.
The need for clarity regarding any residual security or operational impacts that might linger despite the formal revocation.
2026 No. 415
CIVIL AVIATION
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Leicestershire) (Emergency) (Revocation) Regulations 2026
This heading identifies the legal instrument as Statutory Instrument 2026 No. 415, relating to Civil Aviation, specifically enacting the revocation of emergency restrictions on flying in Leicestershire.
Made ---- at 4.00 p.m. on 15th April 2026
Coming into force with immediate effect
The regulations were officially made at 4:00 p.m. on April 15, 2026.
They become legally effective immediately upon the time of making, signifying no delay in lifting the previous flight controls.
The Secretary of State has decided that it is no longer considered necessary in the public interest to restrict flying in the area specified in the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Leicestershire) (Emergency) Regulations 2026( a ).
The responsible government official, the Secretary of State, has concluded that the circumstances which previously warranted restricting air traffic over the defined Leicestershire area are now resolved.
Therefore, maintaining the flight restriction is no longer deemed required for the public benefit.
The Secretary of State makes the following Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016( b ).
This instrument is formally created by the Secretary of State using the legal authority granted under Article 239 of the main Civil Aviation legislation, the Air Navigation Order 2016.
Citation and commencement
- These Regulations may be cited as the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Leicestershire) (Emergency) (Revocation) Regulations 2026 and they come into force with immediate effect.
Regulation 1 provides the official short title for these rules.
It confirms again that the revocation regulations take effect immediately upon their enactment.
Revocation of Regulations
- The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Leicestershire) (Emergency) Regulations 2026 are revoked.
Regulation 2 constitutes the core action: the previous 2026 regulations that initially established the flight restriction in Leicestershire are now legally cancelled and no longer in force.
Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport
At 4.00 p.m. on 15th April 2026
This confirms the formal signing authority delegated under the Secretary of State for Transport, noting the exact time and date the legal action was completed.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations revoke the statutory instrument which imposed emergency restrictions on flying in the area specified in the Schedule to that instrument, the emergency in question having passed.
The Explanatory Note clarifies that the purpose of this instrument is solely to cancel the prior statutory instrument that created emergency flight limits over a specific area because the underlying emergency situation has concluded.
( a ) S.I. 2026/140.
( b ) S.I. 2016/765, amended by S.I. 2024/990; there are other amending instruments but none is relevant.
These footnotes provide references to the original legislation being revoked (S.I. 2026/140) and the primary legislation granting the power to make these rules (S.I. 2016/765, as amended).
Karen L Michaels Grade 7 Department for Transport
This line identifies the administrative officer and department responsible for drafting and issuing the instrument.
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