https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/brit...o-sea-shortly/
British aircraft carrier set to return to sea shortly
Temporary airspace restrictions have been introduced over the Firth of Forth ahead of the departure of HMS Queen Elizabeth from Rosyth.
A Restricted Area (Temporary) will be in force between 19 and 24 April 2026 in the vicinity of North Queensferry, covering operations linked to a Royal Navy aircraft carrier.
The measures, introduced under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016, are intended to support national defence and security during the vessel’s movement.
Under the restrictions, unmanned aircraft are prohibited from flying below 1,400 feet above mean sea level within a defined area over the Firth of Forth between 0100 on 19 April and 2300 on 24 April. The regulations explicitly do not apply to manned aircraft.
HMS Queen Elizabeth has been in Rosyth since entering a planned dry dock and maintenance period in August 2025. The work forms part of the carrier’s routine lifecycle and includes inspections, upgrades and certification activities that require the vessel to be out of the water……