US Vice President JD Vance's UK trip prompts security flight restrictions

The Cotswolds area is known for its rural scenery and is often featured with aerial footage in Clarkson's television series about farming. The temporary flight ban prevented new drone footage of his property during Vance’s stay.

No-fly zones are a common practice when senior U.S. officials travel abroad. For example, similar restrictions were imposed during former President Donald Trump’s stopover at RAF Mildenhall in May 2025 as he traveled between the U.S. and the Middle East.

Vance arrived in the UK aboard Air Force Two—a Boeing C-32 (757-200) registered as 98-0002—which flew from Camp Springs (ADW) to London Stansted Airport (STN) on August 7. After visiting London, Vance moved to the Cotswolds before making a stop at RAF Fairford. There, according to BBC reports, he addressed USAF personnel in front of a Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft.

Flight tracking data showed that Air Force Two flew from Stansted to Fairford on August 13, a journey lasting just 25 minutes. After spending four hours at Fairford, Vance’s aircraft continued north to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), arriving after a 44-minute flight.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has previously handled large American military aircraft—including Air Force One—during high-profile visits by U.S. leaders.

As reported by Simple Flying at the time, President Trump used these facilities last month while visiting golf courses in Scotland; additional support aircraft such as Boeing C-17s also accompanied him for logistics and transport needs like 'Marine One'.