On 19 February 2026, significant new airspace restrictions come into force across the UK. The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Ministry of Defence Prohibited Places) Regulations 2026 introduce updated no‑fly zones for unmanned aircraft around key Ministry of Defence (MoD) sites.
For drone operators, whether commercial or recreational these changes matter. They redefine where you can legally fly, introduce new altitude limits, and replace the previous 2024 MoD restricted airspace regulations.
In this post, I’ll break down what’s changing, why it’s happening, and what it means for safe, compliant drone operations.
Why Have These New Restrictions Been Introduced?
The Secretary of State for Transport has determined that additional protections are required around sensitive MoD facilities. As stated in the legislation:
“It is necessary in the public interest to restrict the flying of unmanned aircraft… for reasons of national security associated with the location of Ministry of Defence sites.”
In short: these areas contain critical defence infrastructure, and low‑altitude drone flights present a security risk.
What Do the New Regulations Do?
The 2026 Regulations:
1. Replace the 2024 MoD Restricted Airspace Regulations
The previous 2024 rules are now revoked.
“The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Ministry of Defence Restricted Airspace) Regulations 2024… are revoked.”
2. Introduce Updated No‑Fly Zones
Each MoD site listed in the Schedule now has:
- A clearly defined boundary (using latitude/longitude points)
- A minimum altitude below which no unmanned aircraft may fly
These altitude limits vary by site from 500 ft at locations like Barrow‑in‑Furness and Gosport, up to 2,900 ft at HMNB Clyde.
3. Apply Only to Unmanned Aircraft
These restrictions specifically target drones and other unmanned systems.
4. Include Specific Exemptions
Certain operators are exempt, including:
- The Ministry of Defence
- US visiting forces at designated RAF bases
- BAE Systems (Barrow)
- Rolls Royce (Raynesway)
- AWE Aldermaston & Burghfield
- Police, fire services, and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency during emergencies
Additionally, flights may be permitted with explicit authorisation from the relevant site authority.
Where Are the Restricted Areas?
The Schedule lists over 40 MoD sites across the UK, including:
- RAF Lakenheath
- RAF Fairford
- Porton Down
- HMNB Devonport
- Northwood
- MOD Corsham
- St Athan
- Thorney Island
- Plymouth
- Aldermaston & Burghfield
- Menwith Hill
- Barrow‑in‑Furness
- And many more
Each site includes a polygon of coordinates defining the lateral limits, plus a minimum altitude.
For drone operators, this means checking your planned flight area carefully especially if you work near military, naval, or defence‑related facilities.
How to Stay Compliant
1. Always Check the UK AIP (ENR 5.1)
The legislation confirms that contact points and operational details will be published in the UK Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).
“The points of contact will be detailed within the United Kingdom Aeronautical Information Publication – ENR 5.1.”
Link Here
2. Update Your Flight Planning Tools
Expect updates to:
- Drone flight apps
- NOTAM systems
- Airspace awareness platforms
3. Maintain Strong Operational Awareness
If you operate near MoD sites—common for surveyors, inspectors, and mapping professionals—these new altitude limits may affect:
- Roof inspections
- Construction surveys
- Topographical mapping
- Infrastructure assessments
4. Seek Permission Where Necessary
If your work requires flying within one of these restricted areas, you’ll need to obtain authorisation from the relevant MoD or site authority.
What This Means for Professional Drone Operators
For companies like Sky Eye Imagery, compliance isn’t optional—it’s part of delivering safe, reliable, and legally robust aerial data.
These new regulations reinforce the importance of:
- Pre‑flight planning
- Airspace checks
- Understanding local restrictions
- Maintaining communication with authorities when required
As the UK’s defence landscape evolves, so too must our approach to responsible drone operations.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 MoD Prohibited Places Regulations mark one of the most significant updates to UK drone airspace in recent years. While the changes may seem complex, they ultimately support safer skies and stronger national security.
If you operate drones professionally—or rely on aerial data for your projects—now is the time to familiarise yourself with the new boundaries and altitude limits.
If you’d like help interpreting how these changes affect your site, project, or operations, I’m always happy to advise.