17.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), this regulation applies in relation to an aircraft whose last point of departure was in a country or territory listed in paragraph 1 of Schedule 8 (“a relevant aircraft”).
(2) This regulation does not apply in relation to—
(a)a commercially operated aircraft carrying no passengers,
(b)an aircraft operated by or in support of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom,
(c)an aircraft operated by or in support of a foreign country or territory where, prior to its arrival in Northern Ireland, a United Kingdom Government Department has provided written confirmation to the operator that the aircraft is carrying passengers who are travelling to conduct official business within the United Kingdom.
(3) The operator must not cause or permit a relevant aircraft to land in Northern Ireland unless—
(a)landing in Northern Ireland is reasonably necessary to secure the safety of the aircraft or the health and safety of any person aboard it,
(b)the landing is only for the purposes or refuelling or aircraft maintenance, and no passengers are permitted to board, or disembark from, the aircraft, or
(c)the aircraft is an air ambulance and landing for the purposes of transporting a person for medical treatment.