UK to Enforce Road Closures, No-Fly Zones During Tinubu’s State Visit

Britain will enforce temporary airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers in Windsor next week as President Bola Tinubu visits the United Kingdom for a state engagement hosted by King Charles III.

Tinubu is expected to begin the visit alongside his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, March 18, with a reception scheduled to hold at Windsor Castle.

In a statement published on its website on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said it is working closely with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners to coordinate arrangements for the visit.

According to the police, existing airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle which remain in place throughout the year will be extended on Wednesday, March 18, covering the period from 7am to 11:59pm.

Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the Thames Valley Police Joint Operations Unit said the airspace limits form part of a wider security operation for the presidential visit.

“The air restrictions are just one element of our comprehensive security operation for the state visit of Nigerian President Tinubu next week, with several measures visible to the public and others carried out behind the scenes,” Hall said.

He noted that the force has extensive experience managing security during royal events in Windsor, adding that significant planning and preparation had gone into the upcoming visit.

Hall warned that authorities would strictly enforce the airspace restrictions, stating that any violation would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could result in arrest.

“We will take a firm approach in enforcing these restrictions; anyone who breaches them will be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could face arrest,” he said.

The police chief also revealed that officers with specialised capabilities including search teams, mounted units, road policing officers, and armed units — would be deployed across Windsor. Neighbourhood policing teams and Project Servator resources will also be on ground to interact with members of the public.

Authorities will additionally make use of Windsor’s extensive closed-circuit television network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other security measures to ensure the event proceeds safely.

Hall urged residents and visitors to support the operation by staying alert and reporting suspicious activities.
He advised members of the public to report anything unusual by calling 101 or speaking to nearby officers, while emergencies should be reported through 999.

Road closures and parking restrictions will begin from Tuesday, March 17, with possible temporary disruptions expected on roads in and around Windsor during the visit.

Thames Valley Police added that enforcement of the flight restrictions will be carried out with support from the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services. Individuals with legitimate reasons to operate drones were asked to submit requests via email to TVPAirspaceRequests@thamesvalley.police.uk.