Emergency Alert: New Flying Restrictions Over Darfield, South Yorkshire

In response to an unforeseen emergency situation, the UK government has swiftly enacted new regulations to restrict the operation of unmanned aircraft—commonly known as drones—in the skies over Darfield, South Yorkshire. This decision, effective immediately as of 11:47 a.m. on 15th May 2025, aims to ensure public safety and manage the situation efficiently.

What You Need to Know:

• Immediate Effect: These restrictions are already in place and apply to all unmanned aircraft operations.

• Restricted Area: The affected zone covers a circular area centered over Darfield, South Yorkshire, with a radius of one nautical mile. The exact geographic center of this restricted airspace is marked by the coordinates 53°32'24"N latitude and 1°21'34"W longitude.

• Flight Ceiling: Drones are prohibited from flying below 800 feet above mean sea level within this designated area.

The decision was made by the Secretary of State for Transport using powers granted under the Air Navigation Order 2016. The primary reason for this restriction is an emergency that has arisen, necessitating immediate and decisive action to protect the public interest.

Duration of Restrictions:

The regulations are temporary and will be lifted once the emergency situation has been resolved. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates on any changes to these restrictions.

Stay Informed:

Drone operators and the general public are advised to stay informed through official channels for any further announcements or updates on the status of these restrictions. Compliance is essential to ensure safety and avoid penalties.

For more detailed information or specific inquiries, individuals can contact the Department for Transport or consult the official documentation under the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Darfield, South Yorkshire) (Emergency) Regulations 2025.