The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Glasgow Green) Regulations 2026

Published: Thu 23rd Apr 26

The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Glasgow Green) Regulations 2026 establish a temporary prohibition on the flying of unmanned aircraft below 1,300 feet above mean sea level over a specified area around Glasgow Green, Scotland, spanning from June 19th to June 21st, 2026, to ensure public safety and security during the TRNSMT Music Festival, with exemptions only for aircraft operated by or specifically permitted by Police Scotland.

Arguments For

Ensuring public safety and security during a large public gathering (the TRNSMT Music Festival) by eliminating the risk posed by unauthorized drone activity above or near the event site.
Maintaining necessary operational control over the airspace near Glasgow Green, as requested by law enforcement (Police Scotland), to manage security risks effectively.
Providing a clear, legally enforceable framework for airspace management during a specific, high-profile event, supported by existing powers under the Air Navigation Order 2016.

Arguments Against

Imposing a blanket restriction on legitimate drone operations (commercial or recreational) within the defined geographic area and time window, potentially interfering with authorized activities not related to the festival.
Creating temporary operational complexity for drone operators who must now adhere to specific no-fly zones defined by geographical coordinates and strict time limits.
Requiring operators to seek explicit permission from an additional authority (Police Scotland Aviation Safety & Security Unit) even if they hold standard permissions, adding an administrative layer.

2026 No. 442

CIVIL AVIATION

The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Glasgow Green) Regulations 2026

Made

21st April 2026

Coming into force

19th June 2026

The Secretary of State has decided that it is necessary in the public interest to restrict the flying of unmanned aircraft in the area specified in regulation 3(1) by reason of the intended gathering of a large number of persons.

The Secretary of State makes the following Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016( a ).

This section introduces the statutory instrument, identifying it as 'The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Glasgow Green) Regulations 2026', numbered 2026 No. 442, belonging to the Civil Aviation category.

The instrument was made on April 21st, 2026, and comes into force on June 19th, 2026.

The Secretary of State determined these restrictions are required in the public interest due to a planned large gathering in the specified area, authorizing the regulations under powers granted by Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016.

Citation and commencement

These Regulations may be cited as the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Glasgow Green) Regulations 2026 and they come into force on 19th June 2026.

The first substantive regulation establishes the official short title for the legal document.

It also confirms the commencement date, stating that the restrictions take legal effect starting at 00:00 hours on June 19th, 2026.

Interpretation

The times referred to in regulation 3(2) are Co-ordinated Universal Time( b ).

This regulation clarifies the standard used for all time references mentioned later, specifically in Regulation 3(2).

All times must be interpreted using Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Restricted airspace

-(1) Subject to paragraph (3), during the periods specified in paragraph (2) no unmanned aircraft is to fly below 1,300 feet above mean sea level within the area bounded by straight lines joining successively the following points-

(a) 555146N 0041529W,
(b) 555130N 0041327W,
(c) 555131N 0041248W,
(d) 555044N 0041301W,
(e) 555005N 0041416W,
(f) 555037N 0041544W, and
(g) 555146N 0041529W.

(2) The periods referred to in paragraph (1) begin with-

(a) 0900 hours on 19th June 2026 and end with 0030 hours on 20th June 2026, and

( a ) S.I. 2016/765, amended by S.I. 2024/990; there are other amending instruments but none is relevant.

( b ) Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC) is one hour behind British Summer Time (BST).

(b) 0900 hours and end with 2230 hours on each of 20th and 21st June 2026.

(3) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any unmanned aircraft-

(a) operated by or on behalf of Police Scotland, or
(b) flying with a permission issued by the Police Scotland Aviation Safety & Security Unit.

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport

21st April 2026

This key regulation details the restriction: no unmanned aircraft can fly below 1,300 feet above sea level within a precise geographical zone defined by seven sets of latitude and longitude coordinates around Glasgow Green.

This restriction is subject to exceptions listed in paragraph (3).

Paragraph (2) specifies the affected time periods.

The restriction starts at 09:00 UTC on June 19, 2026, and ends at 00:30 UTC on June 20, 2026.

It then continues from 09:00 UTC until 22:30 UTC on both June 20th and June 21st, 2026.

Paragraph (3) provides the sole exceptions: the restriction does not apply to unmanned aircraft directly operated by Police Scotland or any aircraft flying under specific written permission granted by the Police Scotland Aviation Safety & Security Unit.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These regulations impose restrictions on the flying of unmanned aircraft in the vicinity of Glasgow Green, Glasgow, Scotland for the TRNSMT Music Festival that is due to take place there on 19th to 21st June 2026, inclusive. At the request of Police Scotland, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport agree that the flying of unmanned aircraft should be restricted for reasons of public safety and security.

The times mentioned in regulation 3(2) are Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC) which is one hour behind British Summer Time (BST).

In relation to the permission mentioned in regulation 3(3)(b), the Police Scotland Aviation Safety & Security Unit may be contacted as notified.

Full details of this Statutory Instrument will be promulgated by Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) and Notice to Aviation (NOTAM).

The point of contact in the Civil Aviation Authority is Mr Thomas Shainberg, Airspace Regulator, Safety and Airspace Regulation Group, contactable on telephone number 03301 382515.

Karen L Michaels Grade 7 Department for Transport

This non-binding explanatory note confirms the purpose: imposing restrictions on drones near Glasgow Green during the TRNSMT Music Festival from June 19th to 21st, 2026.

The restriction resulted from a joint decision between the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport, based on a request from Police Scotland, citing public safety and security needs.

It reiterates that times are UTC, which is one hour behind British Summer Time (BST).

The note also directs interested parties on how to contact the relevant unit within Police Scotland for permissions, and provides contact details for the Civil Aviation Authority liaison concerning the Statutory Instrument, which will also be detailed in official Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAM).

View Source

Economy Finance Justice

The Financial Services Act 2012 (Relevant Functions in relation to Complaints Scheme) (Amendment) Order 2026

Thu 2nd Jul 26

Amended the 2014 Order to update and clarify which regulatory functions of the FCA and PRA are eligible for investigation under the statutory Complaints Scheme.

Justice Transport

The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Mill Lane, Chipping Ongar) (Emergency) (Revocation) Regulations 2026

Thu 2nd Jul 26

Revoked emergency flight restrictions in the vicinity of Mill Lane, Chipping Ongar, effective July 2, 2026.

Economy Environment Justice Technology

The Digital Waste Tracking (England) Regulations 2026

Thu 2nd Jul 26

Established a mandatory digital system for tracking controlled waste in England, introduced a £26 annual operator fee, and granted the Environment Agency powers to issue civil penalties for non-compliance.

Civil Liberties Culture and Sport Environment Local Government