New no fly zones in The UK, But What Does this mean for drone photography

New No-Fly Zones in the UK: What It Means for Drone Pilots

The UK has recently introduced a raft of new No-Fly Zones (NFZs), but why is no one talking about it? These new restrictions have major implications for both hobbyist and commercial drone pilots, and yet, the conversation around them has been surprisingly quiet.

What’s Changed?

I first noticed the impact of these changes on Christmas Day, when a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) No-Fly Zone appeared for RAF Oakhanger, a historically significant satellite communications site in Hampshire. This restriction, active from December 23, 2024, to March 23, 2025, covers a nearby town—right when many people were unwrapping drones as Christmas presents.

No-Fly Zones are notoriously rare and usually generate discussion in forums and Facebook groups. However, I prefer the term “Flight Restriction Zone” (FRZ) since, in most cases, you can request permission to fly. Yet, in this instance, there’s no listed contact for obtaining permission, leaving drone pilots in a legal grey area.

Why is This a Problem?

It makes sense that sensitive military sites should be protected from drone photography, and they already are—the National Security Act (2023) explicitly prohibits drones from approaching or passing over prohibited places. Breaking this law carries up to 14 years in prison.

But this new restriction comes under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order (2016), which adds another layer of law that could see unsuspecting hobbyists fined up to £2,500 and even face five years in prison. The question is: why add another restriction when protections already exist?

Are These Restrictions Based on Real Threats?

To understand this, we need to look at the bigger picture. Over the last few months, drone activity near military bases has gained international attention.

• In November 2024, F-15E Strike Eagles were reportedly launched over RAF Fylingdales and RAF Menwith Hill in response to drone activity. Both sites have now been designated No-Fly Zones.

• In the US, UK, Germany, and the Far East, military bases have reported drone intrusions, triggering heightened security.

But how reliable are these sightings?

• US Senator Andy Kim stated on December 20 that no drones were detected via thermal, radar, RF, or optical sensors after the US deployed detection equipment in New York and New Jersey.

• A UK Freedom of Information (FOI) request into drone activity around RAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Feltwell, and Fairford found no AIRPROX (near-miss) reports between November 19 and December 6, despite claims of drone incursions.

These findings raise concerns about whether these restrictions are based on credible threats or just a precautionary response to media-fueled hysteria.

The Media’s Role in Drone Hysteria

Drones have long suffered from negative public perception. While there have been a handful of reckless pilots, the mainstream media has helped create a narrative that drones are a major threat. It’s easier for journalists to run with unverified sightings than to dig deeper for credible evidence.

Yet, the facts speak for themselves:

👉 There has never been a single confirmed civilian drone-related fatality worldwide.

👉 Despite existing flight restrictions, new laws keep being introduced without solid justification.

How to Stay Legal as a Drone Pilot

With No-Fly Zones now appearing without warning, drone pilots must take extra steps to avoid breaking the law:

✅ Always check before you fly – NFZs can appear overnight, and not all will be reflected in the DJI Fly App. Use a trusted flight planning tool like Altitude Angel’s Drone Assist App.

✅ Don’t assume you can fly in familiar locations – An area that was safe yesterday might be restricted today.

✅ Try contacting local bases directly – Even if no contact details are provided, they may still grant permission for controlled flights.

Have You Seen New No-Fly Zones Near You?

If you’ve encountered an unexpected No-Fly Zone, let me know in the comments. Do you think more restrictions are on the way? Are they justified, or is this another step in limiting drone usage unnecessarily? Let’s start the conversation! 🚀