The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh) Regulations 2026
Restricted the flight of unmanned aircraft near Murrayfield Stadium during specific windows in July 2026 to ensure public safety.
These Regulations prohibit the operation of unmanned aircraft below 1,600 feet above mean sea level within a specific circular area around Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh.
The mandate applies to all unmanned aircraft operators on 24th and 25th July 2026 between 1600 and 2230 hours Co-ordinated Universal Time. The restriction serves to protect large crowds attending music concerts, though it allows for exceptions if the Police Scotland Aviation Safety and Security Unit grants express permission.
Arguments For
The Secretary of State asserts that the restriction is necessary in the public interest due to the intended gathering of a large number of persons at Murrayfield Stadium.
The explanatory note states that the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport agree the measures are required for reasons of public safety and security during scheduled music concerts.
The document cites the legal authority for these restrictions as article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016.
Arguments Against
Operators of unmanned aircraft may argue that the one nautical mile radius and altitude limit of 1,600 feet unnecessarily restricts the use of airspace for commercial or recreational purposes.
Independent observers might note that specific criteria for the granting of permissions by the Police Scotland Aviation Safety and Security Unit are not detailed in the document, potentially leading to uncertainty for applicants.
Privacy or civil liberties advocates may raise concerns regarding the extent of police discretion in managing airspace during public events.
Citation and commencement
- These Regulations may be cited as the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh) Regulations 2026 and they come into force on 24th July 2026.
This section establishes the formal title of the statutory instrument.
It specifies that the legal provisions become active and enforceable starting on 24th July 2026.
Interpretation
- The times referred to in regulation 3(1) are Co-ordinated Universal Time( b ).
This provision clarifies the time standard used throughout the document.
It dictates that all listed operational hours follow Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC), which the document notes is one hour behind British Summer Time.
Restricted airspace
- —(1) Subject to paragraph (2), during the period beginning with 1600 hours and ending with 2230 hours on each of the two days of 24th and 25th July 2026 no unmanned aircraft is to fly below 1,600 feet above mean sea level within the area bounded by a circle having a radius of 1 nautical mile which is centred at 555632N 0031428W.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any unmanned aircraft flying in accordance with a permission issued by the Police Scotland Aviation Safety and Security Unit.
This section prohibits the flight of unmanned aircraft, such as drones, within a one nautical mile radius of the specified coordinates at Murrayfield Stadium for designated periods in July 2026.
The flight ban applies to any altitude below 1,600 feet above mean sea level.
It provides an exception for flights that have received prior authorization from the Police Scotland Aviation Safety and Security Unit.
This allows law enforcement to manage and potentially authorize specific aerial activity within the restricted zone.
Related
The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Commencement No. 6 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026
Commenced workplace sexual harassment protections and expanded trade union recognition and access rights from 30 October 2026.
Read MoreThe Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Tottenham, London) (No. 2) Regulations 2026
Prohibited unmanned aircraft from flying below 1,100 feet within a 0.25 nautical mile radius of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on two specific dates in October 2026.
Read MoreThe Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Windsor) Regulations 2026
Established a temporary restricted airspace around Windsor for a state visit on 20 October 2026.
Read MoreThe Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe) (No. 2) Order 2026
Set 2nd October 2026 as the commencement date for new public access rights on segments of the Dorset coast path.
Read More