Britain will impose temporary road closures and extend airspace restrictions over Windsor next week as President Bola Tinubu arrives for a state visit hosted by King Charles III.
Tinubu is expected to begin the visit on Wednesday, March 18, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, with an official reception scheduled at Windsor Castle.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said it is working closely with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners to coordinate safety arrangements for the high-profile visit.
The police said airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which are permanently in place, will be extended on March 18 to cover the period between 7:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the force’s Joint Operations Unit said the restrictions are part of a comprehensive security plan for the visit.
“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 visible to the public and others operating behind the scenes,” Hall said.
“As a force, we have extensive experience policing royal events in Windsor, and significant planning and preparation has gone into ensuring the event runs safely.”
Hall warned that the police would strictly enforce the airspace restrictions, noting that any breach would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could result in arrest.
“We will be taking a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions. Anyone who breaches them will be committing a criminal offence and could be arrested,” he said.
He added that officers with specialist capabilities—including search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing units, and armed officers—will be deployed across Windsor, alongside neighbourhood policing teams and Project Servator personnel.
Authorities will also rely on Windsor’s extensive closed-circuit television (CCTV) network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other undisclosed security measures to safeguard the visit.
“The public plays a critical role in supporting our work,” Hall said, urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity by calling 101 or speaking to officers on duty. In cases of immediate danger, he advised the public to dial 999.
Road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with temporary disruptions expected on routes in and around Windsor throughout the visit.
Thames Valley Police said it is being supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services in enforcing the flight restrictions.
Individuals who have legitimate reasons to operate drones during the restricted period have been directed to submit requests to the police through the designated email channel.
