Temporary flight restriction zone for 154th Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale

A temporary flight restriction zone, specifically affecting drones, will be in place above Royal Birkdale golf course as part of the policing operation during The 154^th Open Golf Championship.

The UAS-only Restricted Area (Temporary) will been in place between Saturday 11 July and Tuesday 21 July 2026.

During the period beginning at 6am and ending at 10pm on each of the eleven days no unmanned aircraft is permitted to fly within the area outlined in the attached map.

The Civil Aviation Authority and the Secretary of State for Transport agree that it is necessary and in the public interest to introduce Restriction of Flying Regulations under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 for unmanned aircraft 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 and 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 who wishes to seek consideration for the safe and appropriate flight of a drone in these areas must obtain permission through the Merseyside Police Counter Drone Team on 07971688873 or via email: [email protected]

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