UK tightens security, imposes airspace restrictions ahead of President Tinubu’s state visit to King Charles

UK tightens security, imposes airspace restrictions ahead of President Tinubu’s state visit to King Charles

Authorities in the United Kingdom have announced temporary road closures and extended airspace restrictions in Windsor ahead of the planned state visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tinubu is expected to arrive on Wednesday, March 18, alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for the visit hosted by King Charles III, with an official reception scheduled to take place at Windsor Castle.

In preparation for the visit, Thames Valley Police said it is coordinating security arrangements with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other partners to ensure the event proceeds safely.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, permanent airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle will be extended on March 18 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. as part of the security measures.

Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the flight restrictions form part of wider preparations for the visit.

“The air restrictions are just one part of our robust security operation for the state visit of Nigerian President Tinubu next week, with many measures you will see and others you will not,” Hall said.

He added that security agencies are experienced in handling similar operations during royal engagements in Windsor, noting that extensive planning had gone into the arrangements.

Hall also warned that the authorities would strictly enforce the restrictions.

“We will be taking a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions; anyone who breaches them will be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could be arrested,” he said.

Police said the security deployment would include officers with specialised capabilities such as search teams, mounted units, road policing officers and armed personnel.

These will operate alongside neighbourhood policing teams and Project Servator units across Windsor.

Additional measures include the use of the town’s extensive closed-circuit television network and the installation of hostile vehicle mitigation barriers to enhance safety during the visit.

Members of the public were advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities by contacting police through 101 or speaking with officers on duty, while emergencies should be reported via 999.

Authorities also announced that road closures and parking restrictions will begin from Tuesday, March 17, with traffic disruptions expected in parts of Windsor throughout the visit.

Thames Valley Police said it is working with the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the temporary flight restrictions, adding that anyone with legitimate reasons to operate drones during the restricted period should contact the police for approval.