Emergency Flight Restrictions Over Bicester: What You Need to Know

In an urgent move, the UK Government has implemented emergency flight restrictions over Bicester as of 9.34 p.m. on 15th May 2025. This swift action comes in response to an undisclosed emergency that poses a risk to public interest.

What Are the Restrictions?

The new regulations, titled the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Bicester) (Emergency) Regulations 2025, prohibit any aircraft from flying below 1,000 feet above mean sea level in the designated restricted area. This area is precisely defined as a circle with a radius of 1.0 nautical mile, centred at the coordinates 51°54'46"N latitude and 01°08'26"W longitude.

Who is Affected?

All aircraft are required to comply with these restrictions unless they are operating under specific directions from the Thames Valley Police. This means that any unauthorized flights within this airspace are prohibited until further notice.

Why the Restrictions?

While the specific nature of the emergency has not been disclosed, the Secretary of State for Transport has deemed these restrictions necessary to protect public safety. The regulations are designed to be temporary and will be lifted once the situation is resolved.

What Should Pilots Do?

Pilots planning to navigate through or near the Bicester area should adjust their flight plans accordingly and remain updated on communications from the Thames Valley Police or relevant aviation authorities for any changes or additional instructions.

Stay informed and ensure compliance to avoid any potential legal or safety issues. Keep an eye out for further updates as the situation develops.