Temporary Drone Flight Restriction Zone to Be Introduced for The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale

A temporary flight restriction zone for drones will be in force over Royal Birkdale Golf Club during The 154th Open Championship as part of the policing operation for the major sporting event.

The UAS-only Restricted Area (Temporary) will be in place from Saturday 11 July until Tuesday 21 July 2026.

During this period, between 5am and 9pm each day, no unmanned aircraft (drones) will be permitted to fly within the designated restricted area.

The restriction has been introduced by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Secretary of State for Transport under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 for reasons of public safety and security.

Matrix Inspector Carl McNulty said:

“This is a standard measure which has been in place in previous years for large-scale public events.

“Specialist resources, made up of Merseyside Police officers and officers from regional and national teams, including air support, will be in place for the duration of the event. We are also working with partners including the local authority, other emergency services and businesses in the community to ensure this is a safe and secure event.”

Anyone wishing to request permission for the safe and appropriate operation of a drone within the restricted area should contact the Merseyside Police Counter Drone Team on 07971 688873 or email drone.exemptions@merseyside.police.uk.

Full details of the restrictions are available on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website: Drones | UK Civil Aviation Authority.