Emergency Flight Ban Over St Austell: What You Need to Know

In a swift move to address an urgent situation, the UK government has imposed immediate flying restrictions over a specific area of St Austell, Cornwall. This decision, made by the Secretary of State, is in response to an emergency in the region that affects the public interest. Here’s a breakdown of what this means for drone enthusiasts and pilots in the area.

What’s Happening?

The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (St Austell Cornwall) (Emergency) Regulations 2025 were enacted at exactly 3.53 p.m. on 15th July 2025. This regulation is designed to restrict the operation of unmanned aircraft, commonly known as drones, in a defined area over St Austell.

Key Details:

• Immediate Effect: The regulation is already in force, so drone operators need to be aware and comply right away.
• Restricted Zone: The no-fly zone is specified as a circle with a radius of 0.5 nautical miles. The centre of this circle is precisely located at the coordinates 50°18'21"N, 4°50'20"W.
• Altitude Limit: No unmanned aircraft is allowed to fly below 2900 feet above mean sea level within this area.

Why the Restriction?

While the exact nature of the emergency hasn't been detailed, the swift imposition of these regulations highlights a significant concern for safety or security in the region. Such measures are typically reserved for situations that could pose a risk to public safety or national security.

Duration of Restrictions:

The explanatory note accompanying the regulation clarifies that these restrictions are temporary. They will be lifted as soon as the emergency situation has been resolved.

Compliance:

Drone operators and aviation enthusiasts in the St Austell area need to adjust their plans accordingly. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid penalties and contribute to the safety and security efforts underway.

Stay tuned for further updates from the Department for Transport as the situation evolves and the restrictions are reviewed.