September 30, 2026, 3:01 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
When flying to a vacation destination, you pass over numerous areas and often several countries. However, there are also so-called no-fly zones, or flight restriction zones. Sometimes, the places that cannot be flown over are quite “curious.”
There are numerous no-fly zones worldwide–for passenger planes or even drones. These are usually crisis areas, military installations, or government facilities. But not always! Some places you wouldn’t expect to be off-limits. To clear up a rumor: For years, it has been claimed that soccer player Messi managed to have a no-fly zone over his estate near Barcelona. In fact, there is a no-fly zone there–but it has nothing to do with Messi. The reason is the nearby Gavà Mar nature park.
Luxury Estate Mar-a-Lago of Donald Trump, USA
Unlike with Messi, here the person is indeed the reason for the flight restriction. Over the luxury estate Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, of U.S. President Donald Trump, a permanent no-fly zone is in place for his protection. His private club is located on the estate–whether he is there or not, planes are no longer allowed to fly over it, which has required airlines to change their routes. This is especially felt by other residents, who now suffer from aircraft noise.
Stonehenge, UK
Special rules apply to Stonehenge in southwest England. According to the heritage organization English Heritage, there is a general drone flight ban. Additionally, during the summer solstice, the British aviation authority CAA imposes a temporary no-fly zone each year. No planes or helicopters are allowed to fly below approximately 900 meters over Stonehenge. This is to ensure the safety of the tens of thousands of visitors on the ground who gather to watch the sunrise, as reported by the “Telegraph.”
Also interesting: Pömmelte–the German Stonehenge
Walt Disney World and Disneyland, USA
There are restrictions over both Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida. The Federal Aviation Administration has classified the area as national defense airspace. Thus, planes are not allowed to fly lower than 900 meters. This rule affects regular passenger planes less.
Instead, there is a rumor that Disney itself pushed for these restrictions to prevent smaller planes from flying over the parks with advertising banners.
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Wimbledon, UK
While tennis is being played at Wimbledon, there is a restricted airspace. Neither planes, helicopters, nor drones are allowed to fly over the stadium. However, this restriction is unlikely to affect regular passenger planes much: The ban is in effect up to a height of about 450 meters.
Parthenon, Greece
The “Telegraph” reports that there is also a no-fly zone over the Parthenon in Greece. This applies to both planes and drones. The reason is to protect the ancient structures: The fuel from aircraft could ignite in an accident and endanger the approximately 2,400-year-old stones.
By the way, many people are likely more familiar with the Acropolis than the Parthenon. The Parthenon, a single temple on the Acropolis, is its most famous structure.