11APR: EASA missile warning for European airspace, Qatar airspace update, Italy ground handling strikes

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LIZZ/Italy More strikes planned by ground staff at airports across the country on Apr 13. The airports expected to be worst affected are: LIML/Milan-Linate, LIMC/Milan-Malpensa, LIRP/Pisa, and LIRQ/Florence.

NFZZ/Fiji & Tonga Tropical Cyclone Keni is weakening as it moves away southwards from Fiji and Tonga, after bringing heavy rain and destructive winds to the islands from Apr 9-11. All airports are open an operational.

LROP/Bucharest The runways are in a state of disrepair, local reports of multiple blown tires in recent weeks due to potholes. B747-200/300/400 aircraft are effectively prohibited until Jul 4, as urgent maintenance work is now planned on both runways.

SPJC/Lima Due to the upcoming Summit of the Americas in Lima, no overnight parking allowed on the General Ramp between Apr 10-17. Overnight parking in a hangar or in the military zone is possible, contact: cco@atsaperu.com

SVZZ/Venezuela The Venezuelan Government has lifted the ban on flights to/from the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. However, a new diplomatic spat has started with Panama, with Venezuela banning Copa Airlines, and Panama banning several Venezuelan airlines in retaliation. So far, no restrictions announced for GA/BA flights between the two countries.

YBCG/Gold Coast Whilst the Commonwealth Games are going on, there’s an ADIZ 90NM around the airport that will remain in place until Apr 15, and authorities are asking operators not to plan YBCG as an alternate. Full details here.

LFZZ/France More Air France strikes planned on Apr 10-11, 17-18 and 23-24. So far with these strikes the impact each day seems to be fairly similar – around 30% of all Air France flights get cancelled, with the Paris airports particularly affected.

NZZZ/New Zealand New Zealand will be implementing PBN procedures across its airspace from Nov 2018. Full details here.

EZZZ/Europe Military exercise ‘Frisian Flag’ will be taking place from Apr 9-20, mainly over Dutch/German airspace just off the north coast of Germany. Low impact expected overall, as exercise areas have been capped to FL240.

SCZZ/Chile The LATAM Airlines cabin crew strike will go ahead, from Apr 10-13, affecting all domestic flights and international connections in Chile.

OLZZ/Lebanon Possible new airspace safety risk in the OLBA/Beirut FIR, after the Syrian and Russian governments claimed that on Apr 9, Israeli fighter jets launched airstrikes on a Syrian military base from over Lebanese airspace. Israel has not yet responded to the claim.

KSBA/Santa Barbara The airport will be closed nightly from 5z-13z between Apr 9-13 for runway work.

RPZZ/Philippines The Philippine island of Boracay will be completely closed to tourists for six months, starting on Apr 26, following concerns of environmental damage. The government will use this time to clean up the island. All domestic carriers have already cut flights to Boracay’s nearest airport, RPVE/Caticlan.

ENBR/Bergen From May 22 to Jun 15, the airport will be closed to all traffic, including emergency diverts, each night from 2215-0400z Sun-Fri.

OAZZ/Afghanistan All flights need to file flight plans in advance to OAKXZQZX, OAKBZQZX, and OAKKZQZX for any flight in the OAKX/Kabul FIR.

EDDH/Hamburg PPR required for all flights with ICAO Aerodrome code C-F, except commercial flights. Call +49 40 5075 1110 or email at vvd@ham.airport.de. Will be in effect until Jul 4.

ZLLL/Lanzhou Airport to close daily from 1750-2230z, from Apr 11 to Jul 10.

VTZZ/Thailand Public holiday across Thailand from Apr 13-15, for the annual Songkran celebrations. The CAA will remain open throughout for issuing permits, but all Thai airports will be busy – apply for parking asap.

FAZZ/South Africa From 9-13 Apr, if you have any problems with slots, the phone numbers to contact will be different than normal. Call the Central Airspace Management Unit +27102072787 or +27822541955.

KCNY/Moab After being closed for three months of construction work, the airport is on schedule to re-open on May 1. The terminal is being upgraded, and the runway is being strengthened and widened from 75ft to 100ft.

DNAS/Asaba The airport will be completely closed for repair, from Apr 9 to May 15.