The United Kingdom (UK) government has officially announced a series of stringent security measures, including extensive road closures and a temporary “no-fly zone,” as the nation prepares for President Bola Tinubu’s State visit.
Tinubu is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, for a two-day engagement at the invitation of His Majesty King Charles III.
This visit marks a diplomatic milestone, as it is the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years.
To ensure the safety of the visiting delegation and the public, Thames Valley Police confirmed that the permanent airspace restrictions currently in place over Windsor Castle will be expanded ahead of Tinubu’s UK State visit.
The force said airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which are in place permanently throughout the year, would be extended on Wednesday, March 18, to cover the period from 7am to 11.59pm.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the air restrictions formed part of a broader security operation for the visit.
Hall said: “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.
“As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing Royal events in Windsor, and significant planning, and preparation have gone into this event.
“We will ensure everyone attending the state visit, including dignitaries and spectators, as well as the public, is kept safe to enjoy the historic occasion.
“There is a permanent airspace restriction around Windsor Castle 365 days a year. On Wednesday 18 March this will be extended to provide enhanced security measures. It will be in place from 7am to 11.59pm, in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
“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.
“We will also be deploying numerous police officers to Windsor with specialist capabilities including our search teams, Mounted Section, Roads Policing, and armed units, while our neighbourhood and Project Servator resources will also be on the ground engaging with the public.
“Additionally, we will be using the extensive CCTV network in Windsor, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation barriers, and many other security measures that you may not be able to see to make sure the event runs safely.
“The public plays a critical role in supporting us so we encourage them to report any suspicious activity or anything that does not seem quite right by calling 101 or speaking to one of our officers. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, then call 999.”
Several road closures and parking restrictions will be in place from Tuesday 17 March. In addition, there may be some temporary disruption to roads in and around Windsor during the state visit.
