United Kingdom tightens airspace, security ahead of President Tinubu’s state visit
Security will be heightened in the United Kingdom next week as Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, undertake a state visit hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
The visit, scheduled for March 18 and 19, marks one of the most significant diplomatic engagements hosted by the British monarchy.
In preparation for the visit, Thames Valley Police announced that extensive security measures will be implemented across the town of Windsor. These include a temporary expansion of the airspace restriction surrounding Windsor Castle.
While a permanent airspace restriction already exists around the royal residence, authorities said the exclusion zone will be widened on March 18 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. GMT. The move is part of enhanced security arrangements coordinated with the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Adrian Hall, chief superintendent of Thames Valley Police’s joint operations unit, said the airspace controls form only one aspect of a broader security operation for the visit.
According to Hall, both visible and covert measures will be deployed to ensure safety during the high-profile event. He warned that anyone who violates the airspace restrictions could face arrest under the Air Navigation Order, as such breaches constitute a criminal offence.
Police also said a large number of officers, including specialists with advanced capabilities, will be deployed across Windsor throughout the visit to maintain security.
