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No-fly zone vs. prohibited airspace -

While both designations stand for a prohibition to fly, there is a distinction between the two. A no-flight zone (NFZ), or air exclusion zone (AEZ), is an area designated and controlled by the military, and is usually done so where there are conflicts. 

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No-fly zones -

Examples of past no-fly zones enforced by the military in conflict areas include Iraq (1991-2003), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1993-1995), and Libya (2011, 2018-19).

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No-fly zones -

While NFZs are usually linked with military strategy, sometimes these are also implemented in civilian settings, when specific events take place (e.g. the Olympics). This is done mostly to prevent terrorist attacks.

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Prohibited airspace -

A prohibited airspace is an area where aircraft cannot operate. The protection of a specific area of airspace is typically due to security concerns. It’s usually depicted on aeronautical charts, so pilots know not to fly through that area.

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What happens if an aircraft violates a no-fly zone or prohibited airspace? -

The protocol in the event of violation of these is usually a warning via radio, which can then be followed by military interception and/or attack. Now, let's look at some of these prohibited airspaces and no-fly zones.

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Machu Picchu -

Aircraft cannot fly over the 15th-century Inca City of Machu Picchu in Peru. In 2006 the Peruvian government created the no-fly zone in an attempt to stop low-flying helicopter tours from operating in the area, which were not only disturbing visitors, but also threatening the local fauna and flora.

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Mecca -

Every year, millions of Muslim pilgrims visit the Kaaba and the Great Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as part of a pilgrimage known as the hajj. Islam’s Holy City keeps its airspace free from distractions and does so out of respect for the religion and its followers.

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Medina -

The Prophet Muhammad's Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, is an equally important place in Islam, and indeed one where the airspace is also restricted. Helicopters, however, are sometimes used to monitor the safety of pilgrims.

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Taj Mahal -

The Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s biggest tourist attractions. The 17th-century Mughal-era mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and since 2019 aircraft haven’t been allowed to fly over it. Archaeologists and Taj Mahal security officials pushed for the ban after the Indian military violated the monument’s airspace on multiple occasions.

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India -

But the Taj Mahal is not the only place in the country where aircraft are prohibited from flying. Others include the president’s residence Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi (pictured), the Tower of Silence in Mumbai, and a number of temples, such as the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and the Golden Temple.

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Washington, D.C. -

Washington, D.C. is home to the White House and both houses of Congress, not to mention numerous monuments. Washington is regulated by a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), consisting of two rings: there’s a 30-mile (48-km) outer ring, and a 15-mile (24-km) inner ring.

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Washington, D.C. -

The inner ring is a Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ), meaning that no manned or unmanned aircraft can enter the airspace (with the exception of a few commercial flights). Flying over the White House, though, is still a no-no.

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Other prohibited areas in the US -

Aircraft are also forbidden from entering the airspace at Thurmont, Maryland, where the presidential retreat Camp David is located. Pantex nuclear assembly plant in Amarillo, Texas, as well as Mount Vernon, Virginia (pictured), the home of George Washington, are also no-fly zones.

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Other prohibited areas in the US -

You also won’t see planes flying over the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia (pictured), the Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota.

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Bush family estates -

The Bush family like to keep their skies free from aircraft. Both Bush Ranch (Prairie Chapel Ranch) and Walker's Point Estate are prohibited areas.

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Buckingham Palace -

Buckingham Palace, the official royal residence in London, is also a no-fly zone. The monarch and his family also won’t be seeing any planes flying over Windsor Castle either.

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Houses of Parliament -

Not only is the British monarchy's safety and security a priority, but the country’s leading politicians also share the same privilege. The Houses of Parliament is also a no-fly zone, as is Downing Street, the official residence of the British prime minister.

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Paris, France -

Forget about specific landmarks, the City of Light forbids all air traffic flying lower than 6,500 feet (2,000 m).

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Disney parks -

Both Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida are considered “National Defense Airspace.” They have become no-fly zones ever since the 9/11 terror attacks. No aircraft (including drones) can fly within a 3-mile radius of each Disney park.

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Israel -

Israel has three places protected from air threats. These are the Negev Nuclear Research Center, the Israeli Air Force’s Sdot Micha Airbase, and the historical Al-Aqsa Mosque. In addition, aircraft from a number of countries are forbidden from entering Israeli airspace. This is due to the ongoing Arab–Israeli conflict.

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Greece -

The Greeks like to keep their historical sites free from air traffic. For instance, no aircraft can fly above the Parthenon below 5,000 feet (1,500 m).

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Ireland -

Ireland also has a number of places where the airspace is restricted. These include Portlaoise, Limerick, and Mountjoy prisons, as well as the army base Curragh Camp, and Dublin’s urban park, Phoenix Park.

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Cuba -

Any unscheduled foreign aircraft that enter Cuban airspace may suffer the consequences. In 1996, two planes were shot down after they did so.

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Finland -

Aircraft are prohibited from flying over some of Helsinki’s neighborhoods, including Munkkiniemi, Kruununhaka, and Meilahti. The Loviisa, Olkiluoto, and Hanhikivi nuclear power plants are also no-fly zones.

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Hungary -

This European nation does not allow planes over its capital, Budapest, nor over national parks such as Hortobágy.

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Sri Lanka -

Any aircraft entering prohibited or restricted airspace over the territory and territorial waters of the country need an air defense clearance from the Sri Lanka Air Force. These areas include Colombo City and Sapugaskanda oil refinery, among others.

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China -

Flying over Tiananmen Square is not allowed. Some airlines are also restricted from flying through Chinese airspace on certain routes.

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North Korea -

Not only are there numerous political tensions with countries in the West, but the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is known to have launched missiles from Pyongyang into the Sea of Japan without warning. Not quite a safe airspace for any aircraft, right?

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Ukraine -

Ever since the conflict with Russia broke out, Ukraine has become restricted for civil aircraft. So far an official military no-fly zone hasn't been implemented in Ukraine.

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Russia -

Since 2022 many civilian airlines from Western countries have been prohibited from entering Russian airspace. The reason is tension between these countries following the conflict with Ukraine.

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Volcanoes -

This one obviously applies to several areas of the globe. Flying over an active volcano is very dangerous for aircraft. Volcanic ash, rocks, etc. can inflict some serious damage and make a plane crash.

See also: The biggest volcanic eruptions of all time

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