The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Tilbury Docks, Essex) Regulations 2026
Restricted the operation of unmanned aircraft near Tilbury Docks for a two-day multi-agency exercise in November 2026.
These Regulations prohibit the flight of unmanned aircraft below 1,200 feet above mean sea level in the vicinity of Tilbury Docks, Essex, during specific hours on 16 and 17 November 2026.
The restrictions apply to all drone operators within a one-nautical-mile radius of the exercise center, unless they have obtained specific permission from the designated Exercise Lead.
The Department for Transport issued these rules to facilitate the safe conduct of a planned multi-agency exercise.
Arguments For
The Secretary of State asserts that these restrictions are necessary in the public interest to ensure safety during a multi-agency exercise.
The document states that the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport agree that restricted airspace is required for the intended activity.
The order provides a mechanism for authorized flight, allowing the Exercise Lead to issue permissions for specific unmanned aircraft to enter the zone.
Arguments Against
Operators of unmanned aircraft may face temporary disruptions to planned activities within a one-nautical-mile radius of the docks.
Legal scholars might note that the restriction relies on the Exercise Lead's discretion for exemptions, which may create uncertainty for operators seeking timely permissions.
The restriction is limited to unmanned aircraft, which could be questioned by parties concerned about the consistency of risk management regarding manned versus unmanned aviation.
Citation and commencement
- These Regulations may be cited as the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Tilbury Docks, Essex) Regulations 2026 and they come into force on 16th November 2026.
This section establishes the official name of the regulations and sets the date they become legally active. The rules take effect on 16 November 2026.
Interpretation
- The times referred to in regulation 3(1) are Co-ordinated Universal Time(b).
(b) Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC) which is the same as Greenwich mean Time (GMT).
This section defines the time standard used for the flight restrictions.
It specifies that all stated times are in Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is equivalent to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Restricted airspace
3.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), during the periods beginning with 0900 hours and ending with 1700 hours on the two days of 16th and 17th November 2026 no unmanned aircraft is to fly below 1,200 feet above mean sea level within the area bounded by a circle having a radius of 1 nautical mile which is centred at 512706N 0002149E.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any unmanned aircraft flying in accordance with a permission issued by the Exercise Lead.
This section mandates a temporary no-fly zone for drones and other unmanned aircraft between 09:00 and 17:00 on 16 and 17 November 2026.
The restriction covers a circular area with a one-nautical-mile radius around the specified coordinates at Tilbury Docks, extending from the surface up to 1,200 feet above mean sea level.
It also grants the Exercise Lead the authority to permit specific flights within this restricted space that would otherwise be prohibited.
Related
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (RAF Mildenhall, Norfolk) (Emergency) Regulations 2026
Established an emergency no-fly zone for unmanned aircraft within five nautical miles of RAF Mildenhall.
Read MoreThe Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (RAF Feltwell, Norfolk) (Emergency) Regulations 2026
Established an emergency restricted airspace for unmanned aircraft around RAF Feltwell with immediate effect on 9 November 2026.
Read MoreThe Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (RAF Lakenheath, Norfolk) (Emergency) Regulations 2026
Established an emergency no-fly zone for unmanned aircraft below 1,200 feet within five nautical miles of RAF Lakenheath.
Read MoreCorrection to Planning Permitted Development Order 2026
Corrected a typographical error in a footnote citation within the 2026 planning regulations.
Read More