Edinburgh Hogmanay Airspace Restrictions Ground Drones Near Castle for New Year.
Key Points
- 1Temporary Airspace Restriction (TAR) is in place for unmanned aircraft near Edinburgh Castle from 6 PM Wednesday to 2 AM Thursday for Hogmanay.
- 2The restriction mandates flight below 2,000ft above sea level within one nautical mile of the Castle for public safety.
- 3Passenger flights from Edinburgh Airport and manned aircraft operations are not affected and will proceed as scheduled.
- 4Police Scotland is enforcing the no-fly zone, urging drone pilots to check NOTAM information for compliance.
Thousands of revelers are set to welcome the new year. This marks the return of Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay celebrations. Following last year’s cancellation, the festival is a major event. Forecasters predict dry conditions for the New Year’s Eve event.
Aviation Safety and Restrictions
A temporary airspace restriction is now in force. This restriction targets all unmanned aircraft, including drones. It is a key part of the policing operation for the festival.
Police Scotland confirmed the no-fly zone. It covers the city center for security and public safety. Unmanned aircraft must fly below 2,000ft above sea level. The restricted area extends one nautical mile from Edinburgh Castle. This zone includes the Old Town, New Town, and Calton Hill.
Operational Timeframe and Compliance
The temporary restriction began at 6:00 PM on Wednesday. It will remain in effect until 2:00 AM on Thursday, New Year’s Day. Flying an unmanned aircraft within this zone is an offense. Drone pilots must check NOTAM information before flying. This process ensures compliance with all aviation safety regulations.
Standard Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules already apply in the UK. These rules ban flying drones over large crowds of people. Commercial operators must secure special permission from the CAA. These measures are crucial for managing air traffic risk.
Impact on Commercial Air Travel
The temporary flight restriction is highly localized. It is specifically designed for the city center celebration. Crucially, passenger flights from Edinburgh Airport will operate normally. Manned aircraft, including police air support, are exempt from the ban. This distinction minimizes disruption to commercial aviation.
Aviation stakeholders recognize the need for such security measures. Large public events require strict airspace management. This ensures safety for both attendees and air traffic. Global organizations like IATA stress the importance of drone regulation.
While the city celebrates, the aviation sector maintains vigilance. This commitment ensures public safety remains the top priority. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.
Other Scottish cultural events are also taking place. The Stonehaven fireball ceremony will happen in Aberdeenshire. The Biggar bonfire will take place in South Lanarkshire. First Minister John Swinney urged kindness in the new year.
Topics
You Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
Police Board Ryanair Flight at Edinburgh Airport Following Alleged In-Flight Theft
Ryanair flight from Las Palmas was boarded by Police Scotland at Edinburgh Airport on Christmas Eve after reports of stolen items from a trolley during the flight.
UK Drone Users Must Pass Theory Test Before Flying Outdoors in New CAA Rule
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is requiring up to 500,000 new UK drone users to pass a mandatory theory test starting January 1st to ensure safe flying outdoors.
UK CAA's New Drone Rules: Will 500,000 Users Pass the Mandatory Test?
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is implementing new drone regulations on January 1, 2026, requiring a Flyer ID test for devices over 100g, affecting up to 500,000 users.
UK Drone Rules 2026: Why 500,000 Flyers Need a New CAA ID Now
UK Civil Aviation Authority is changing drone rules on January 1, 2026, lowering the Flyer ID weight threshold to 100g, affecting up to 500,000 users.
Missile and Drone Strikes on Kyiv Prompt Poland to Close Two Border Airports.
Poland's civil aviation authority, Pansa, temporarily closed Lublin and Rzeszow airports after Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, highlighting regional airspace risks.
Curaçao Finalizes Long-Term Airspace Safety Rules with U.S. Air Force
DC-ANSP and the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority finalized long-term agreements with the U.S. Air Force to safeguard flight safety in the Curaçao FIR following recent near-miss
Never Miss Critical Aviation Updates
Get the top aviation stories delivered to your inbox every morning