UK Announces Road Closures, No Fly Zone Ahead of Tinubu’s State Visit

Authorities in the United Kingdom have announced road closures and temporary airspace restrictions ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit, which will be hosted by King Charles III.

Tinubu is expected to arrive on Wednesday, March 18, alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. An official reception is scheduled at Windsor Castle.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said it is working closely with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security agencies to ensure the visit is carried out safely and without disruption.

As part of the security arrangements, the police said the existing airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle will be extended on March 18 from 7:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.

Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the flight restrictions form only one part of a wider security plan for the visit.

He said the airspace limits are just one aspect of a strong security operation for President Tinubu’s visit, adding that some measures will be visible to the public while others will remain out of sight.

Hall noted that the force has significant experience handling security for royal events in Windsor and said extensive preparation has gone into planning for the visit.

He also warned that the restrictions would be strictly enforced. According to him, anyone who violates the airspace rules would be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could face arrest.

The police said officers with specialised roles, including search teams, mounted units, road policing officers, and armed personnel, will be deployed across Windsor. Neighbourhood policing teams and Project Servator officers will also be involved in the operation.

Authorities will also rely on Windsor’s wide CCTV coverage, hostile vehicle barriers, and other security infrastructure to maintain safety throughout the visit.

Members of the public have been advised to stay alert and report any suspicious activity by speaking to officers on duty or calling 101. Emergency situations should be reported through 999.

Meanwhile, road closures and parking restrictions will begin on Tuesday, March 17, with temporary traffic disruption expected in and around Windsor during the visit.

Thames Valley Police added that it is working with the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the no-fly rules. Anyone with a legitimate reason to operate a drone during the restricted period has been told to contact the police in advance for approval.