The United Kingdom has announced heightened security measures, including temporary airspace restrictions, in Windsor ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit next week.
Thames Valley Police said the measures are part of a wide-ranging security operation coordinated with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other partners to safeguard dignitaries, spectators, and the general public.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit explained on Wednesday that the airspace restrictions represent just one element of the comprehensive security plan.
“The air restrictions are only one part of our robust arrangements for President Tinubu’s state visit,” Hall said. “Many measures will be visible, while others are behind the scenes.
We have extensive experience in policing royal events in Windsor, and significant planning has gone into this operation.”
He added that Windsor Castle already maintains a permanent airspace restriction, but it will be extended on Wednesday, March 18, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to bolster security. Violations of the restricted zone will be treated as criminal offences under the Air Navigation Order.
Hall also detailed the deployment of additional police personnel, including armed units, mounted officers, roads policing teams, and search specialists. Officers from neighbourhood and Project Servator units will engage with the public on the ground.
Authorities confirmed the operation will make use of Windsor’s CCTV network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other protective measures to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity via 101, or 999 in the case of an immediate threat.