27DEC Three business Jet aircraft were sprayed with graffiti on Sunday night (27DEC) at KVNY/Van Nuys Airport, in Los Angeles. The aircraft belong to locally based Charter companies, according to law enforcement and aviation sources.  Two years ago, a $2.3-million Learjet suffered $100,000 in damage after being spray-painted with graffiti in a secure area of the same airport. The LAPD said at the time that the crime was gang-related but no one was arrested.

New Overflight Map 14DEC The Airline Cooperative and Flight Service Bureau have finalised the initial version of an online Overflight Permit and Security Map, showing current airspace and security warnings worldwide, together with county by country information on permit requirements. The map is available ot all AO’s at fsbureau.org/map. Read more below.

Typhoon Melor affecting the Philippines 14DEC the center of Typhoon Melor is forecast to move into the central Philippines (near southeastern Luzon) Monday evening local time as the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane. The current forecast path indicates the Typhoon moving inland towards Legazpi City, Sorsogon City and Gubat are some of the locations. For more details visit the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).

EGGX/Shanwick/CZQX/Gander The technical issues affecting the implementation of the RLAT/Reduced Lateral Separation tracks have reportedly been finally resolved and the first publication of the “Half Tracks” is now scheduled for today, 14DEC2015.

LFRR/Brest FIR Most sectors regulated day and night due to new software (ERATO) implementation. High delays. The worst delays are in the following sectors: LFRMZSI, LFRJ, LFRN, LFRVKWS. German departures to USA are advised to consider routing North of Brest airspace via NIK (or North of).

OAKN/Kandahar A Taliban attack took place at the airport on 08DEC, with close to 50 fatalities. The attack was a major security breach, as heavily armed militants were able to enter a fortified area supposed to have been made secure by the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).

The ICAO Council adopted a new tracking standard for certain international flights that requires crews to report their aircraft’s positions at least every 15 minutes. It will become effective in March 2016 and applicable 08NOV2018. The new requirement also will be formalized as Amendment 39 to Annex 6—Operation of Aircraft, Part I. Only aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 59,000 pounds and a passenger seating capacity of more than 19 are affected by the rule. Also, the requirement applies to over oceanic and other remote areas, and where air traffic service is obtaining position information greater than 15-minute intervals.

Central/South America On 10DEC2015, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 1 Travel Warning for Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Brazil, Columbia, Paraguay, Suriname and Venezuela, advising travelers to protect themselves against the Zika Virus. Zika is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also carries the dengue and chikungunya viruses.

KSAN/MMTJ San Diego/Tijuana A new pedestrian bridge spanning the U.S.- Mexico border now connects KSAN/San Diego and MMTJ Tijuana. The airport terminal, called Cross Border Xpress, opened last Wednesday and will improve travel for fliers going from Tijuana to the United States.

Kxxx/United States The U.S. House of Representatives voted in support of a measure to tighten control on the Visa Waiver Program, which allows travelers of certain nationalities to enter the U.S. without a visa. Under the new measure, the U.S. will now require visas for anyone who has traveled to Iraq or Syria in the past five years. The measure requires that all countries participating in the visa waiver program share intelligence with the U.S. regarding possible extremists.

FVFA/Victoria Falls Intl A new international passenger terminal opened at Victoria Falls International Airport (FVFA/VFA) on 02DEC.

Zxxx/China Chinese officials lifted a red alert they had put in place on 7 December after heavy smog greatly reduced visibility throughout the city and increased health risks for anyone venturing outdoors. The smog was so heavy it affected operations at nearby airports.  Heavy smog is an annual occurrence in northeast China, and the problem is most severe during the winter months, when the morning fog becomes dense and power plants run at a higher rate to produce electricity for in-home heating. Because of this, you should expect similar alerts to be issued periodically throughout the remainder of the winter.

View the full International Operations Bulletin for 14DEC2015

Northern California ‘Metroplex’ airspace changes 07DEC On 10DEC, several revised and new SIDs and STARs associated with the Northern California Metroplex project will be published. These procedures will be the last major changes associated with the project. You can find the full document covering the changes here.

Iraq closes airspace in Kurdish North below FL300 06DEC  Iraq issued a new Notam on 06DEC warning of further Cruise Missile operations below FL310. ORBB A0423/15 states that “Flights operating at FL310 or above, and flights operating at ORBI, ORNI and ORMM are not affected”. You can read the full Notam here.

OIIX/Tehran FIR German Authorities published a new Notam last week warning of a risk to flight for aircraft operating in the vicinity of OITT/Tabriz, OITL/Ardabil, and OIGG/Rasht. DFS, the German ATC agency, recommends overflying this general region at FL260 or higher. A6875/15.

Russia/Turkey Effective 01DEC, Direct non-scheduled flights between Russia and Turkey are banned by decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated 28NOV. Prohibited for all airlines, regardless of the country of aircraft’s registration .

VOMM/Chennai Re-opened for 24-hour domestic and international flight operations today, five days after it was shut due to flooding.

EGGX/Shanwick As of 07DEC, although system testing and acceptance is reportedly finished, no RLAT/Reduced Lateral Separation tracks have yet been published by Shanwick or Gander for the daily OTS. It appears uncertain what the first day of operation will be.

MUHA/Havana, Cuba Hotel Capacity in Havana is under severe strain at present. With increased traffic to Cuba, finding a hotel room is now a regular challenge. Some airline crews have had to be accommodated in Varadero instead, as there were no hotel rooms left in the city. Book well in advance, where possible.

OMxx/United Arab Emirates It has been advised to us, that the requirement for TCAS 7.1 also applies to the Emirates FIR. All aircraft arrivals/departures or those transiting UAE airspace from 01DEC must be 7.1 compliant, or a re-route around UAE airspace will be required. Another option is to obtain a special dispensation to operate, this is available from GCAA in AUH, but is reportedly difficult to obtain. For more details please see the UAE AIP ‘Gen 1.5.6.6 Carriage of ACAS-II’.

LIxx/Italy There is a possible suspension of IFR non scheduled commercial traffic to/from LIRF and LIRA on Dec 8th. Please see NOTAM LIXX 1W2845/15 for the official restriction.

VTxx/Thailand The FAA has downgraded Thailand to a Category 2 after an audit of the country’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) in October showed continued non-compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. The FAA’s move comes five months after the ICAO formally instituted a Serious Safety Concern (SSC) against Thailand for failure to adequately address shortcomings identified during a Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) inspection in January.

MUxx/CUBA Will be reinstating travel permits for doctors. On 01DEC, Cuba announced that it was reinstating the travel restrictions it had previously imposed on doctors, which requires doctors to obtain permission before leaving the country. The restriction had been lifted in 2013, but is now being re-imposed, as the government claims that its universal and free health care services are being “seriously affected” by the number of doctors leaving the country.

Zxxx/China will mandate that its air traffic controllers use only English when communicating with pilots of any airline starting in 2017, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The move will improve situational awareness for foreign pilots. Currently, ATC at all airports across China use English to communicate with pilots of foreign airlines and Mandarin with those flying for Chinese carriers. The CAAC will announce the exact date for implementation later, ensuring the readiness of all stakeholders involved in the process.

ZUUU/Chengdu has completed the on going construction work. The parking bay has been released and is available on a first come, first serve basis. This applies to overnighting aircraft as well.

View the full International Operations Bulletin for 07DEC2015

All Russian overflights of Ukraine now prohibited 29NOV In a development of the dispute between Russia and Ukraine regarding traffic between the two countries, Ukraine has extended the original ban (which affected specific Russian Airline only) to all Russian registered Aircraft Operators. Notam 2604/15 issued last Wednesday has the specifics.

EUR: TCAS 7.1 Compulsary 01DEC The EASA Mandate for compulsary carriage of TCAS version 7.1 (with changes to “Adjust Vertical Speed” RA and resolution of “Reversal RA” problems) is 01DEC. All operators must have 7.1 on board. Note that this applies also to EU Territories abroad, eg. New Caledonia, Tahiti.

OYSC/Sanaa FIR We’ve received input from a number of US Airlines that although Yemeni landmass airspace is prohibited, operations through the OYSC/Sanaa FIR Oceanic portion are available in accordance with FDC5/5575.

NZAA/Auckland is closed every Monday morning 0130-0430LT for runway maintenance. However, Robin Leach at Air Centre One notes that several aircraft have departed for Auckland with an arrival time during this period resulting in airborne holding. Part of the issue is that a NOTAM is only issued if the work is cancelled; otherwise the (hard to spot) AIP/IFG notes for Auckland apply.

ZBAA/Beijing Chinese Authorities have issued an ‘orange level’ alert for smog on Sunday, with reports that visibility in places is down to a few hundred feet. This alert requires industrial plants to reduce or shut down production. With the current temperatures, Freezing Fog is affecting operations at Beijing Airports.

North Atlantic First day with the new NAT Tracks structure will be 01DEC per advice from NATS and Nav Canada, reporting that previous IT issues with the new tracks have been resolved.

Spain The National AFTN COM Centre is out of action for a few hours on Monday night (after 2100Z), meaning that FPL filing and other AFTN based messaging will be affected for Airports in Spain and the Canary Islands.

Bermuda Transatlantic Operators should note in addition to the new track structure on 01DEC, that Bermuda will be without radar coverage for the afternoon (1200Z-1600Z), and the National Authority there is recommending to avoid Bermuda airspace. A limited non-radar service will be provided, and only airways L459, 461, and 462 are useable if you do overfly. Refer to KZWY A0461/15 for more.

EINN/Shannon is again closed for maintenance this Monday night 01DEC, 2145Z-0500Z; use alternate diversion alternates!

EGLL/London Heathrow has a high risk of regulation for Mon, Nov 30th from 0540-2200Z due to strong winds. Please plan fuel accordingly for possible airborne delays.

HLLL/Libya FIR Due to the recent escalation of the Libyan Crisis all Italian aircraft operators have been prohibited from flying through HLLL FIR. Prior Permission to operate into HL available aerodromes also requires Prior Permission by the Libyan CAA. REF NOTAM A8382/15 which replaced A5637/15.

View the full International Operations Bulletin for 30NOV2015

Thanksgiving ATC Traffic Plan 23NOV The FAA have published details of Traffic Management plans for the east coast of the US during the Thanksgiving holidays, effective 24NOV to 30NOV. The highest volume days will be 25NOV and 29NOV, expect delays on north/south routes to Florida during this period. Read the full details of the airspace initiatives here.

New Missiles Warning – Baghdad FIR 23NOV A NOTAM issued today by the Iraqi CAA indicated anticipated cruise missile traffic across the FIR from the Caspian Sea, leading also to the closure of Erbil Airport until Wednesday. See below for further.

EGGX/CZQX Shanwick/Gander The new NAT Track Structure and Reduced Lateral Separation Minima procdures, initially planned for 12NOV, are now re-planned for Monday 30NOV, following the resolution of computer issues related to the new format.

UIII/Irkustk will close the main runway on 01, 08, 15 and 22DEC from 1210-1450Z for repairs, not available as alternate during these times. As this is a common Polar alternate, check NOTAMS for current information.

UEEE/Yakutsk will close 31DEC-02JAN, not available for movements or as alternate after 0500Z on 31DEC.

EINN/Shannon has a runway closure on 23NOV from 2345Z-0500Z, not available as alternate. Caution before using as NAT alternate on this date. If another ETOPS alternate is required, consider EIDW/Dublin, EGAA/Belfast or EGPF/Glasgow.

ORBB/Baghdad FIR Iraq published the following NOTAM (A0413/15) effective today 23NOV CRUISE MISSILES CROSSING NORTHERN PART OF IRAQ, FROM CASPIAN SEA TO SYRIA,NORTH OF REP OTALO,NO CRUISE MISSILE OPS IN THE REST OF ORBB FIR,FLIGHTS OPERATING AT FL310 OR ABOVE AND FLIGHTS OPERATING AT ORBI,ORNI AND ORMM NOT AFFECTED. SFC – 30000FT MSL, 23NOV 0500Z – 25NOV 0500Z. In addition Erbil and Sulamaini airports will be closed until Wednesday.

OLBA/Beirut FIR Initially issued a NOTAM on 20NOV, closing a large part of the FIR including routes G2/UG2 , R219/UR219, L620/UL620, in response to Russia’s request for a training exercise in their airspace. Subsequently the government reversed their decision, and the NOTAM was cancelled on 22NOV, reference A0293/15.

BKPR/Kosovo Airspace to the north of Kosovo was released from UN/KFOR restriction, to Serbian control, on 20NOV, meaning that arrivals and departures from Europe will no longer have to make a circuitous approach and can depart to the north. Procedures are not yet in place, but technically the airspace is no longer restricted. For most operators this will see a route saving of up to 100nm.

GABS/Bamako, Mali. With great sadness we must report that 6 crew members of Volga-Dnepr Airlines were amongst those killed in the attack on the Radisson Hotel in Bamako on Friday.

KXXX/USA Thanksgiving Holidays 26NOV and 27NOV leading to increased traffic flows across US, but anticipated reduced traffic across the NAT region.

KXXX/USA Runway Closures DTW-RWY 4L/22R CLOSED SEA-RWY 16C/34C CLOSED LAS-RWY 7L/25R CLOSED LAX-RWY 6R/24L CLOSED 23/1430

FJDG/Diego Garcia Parking Stands A6-11 and B4-8, as well as some taxiways, closed for repair effected 19NOV.

NWWW/Noumea continues with runway closures 23-26NOV affecting the main runway.

FABL/Bloemfontein, South Africa will not accept widebody diversions 19-26NOV.

GCCC/Canarias FIR will have a HF outage today 23NOV from 0900-1500Z. In case of non-contact, use CPDLC, or HF via Santa Maria or Sal for relay.

LIXX/Italy ATC Strike planned for 24NOV 1200-1600Z has been postponed, refer NOTAM A8227/2015.

HLLL/Tripoli FIR Additional new southbound route available via RASNO UY751 LOSUL, for those operators using the airspace.

LFEE/Rheims ATC Strike 23NOV/0500Z – 28NOV/0500Z Confirmed for Monday only at this time – NOTAM F2093/15 refers. AOs are advised to reroute, avoiding LFEE area of responsibility. Those that are not able to reroute may expect delay.

RJJJ/Japan FIR will have a comms outage affecting Flight Plan filing on 25NOV, from 1410-1720Z. To avoid delays and missing plans, Flight Plans should be filed earlier than normal to RJJJZQZX for overflights and landings. Refer to J7545/15 for specifics.

SPJC/Lima, Peru Effective 12NOV the Location Indicator for the main airport in Lima, Jorge Chavez, changes from SPIM to SPJC.

TTZP/Piarco ATC has issued a request for operators to include KNYCZZZX when filing plans entering New York Oceanic airspace from the Piarco FIR, or operating east of 58W within the Piarco FIR, in order that New York has details of the aircraft.

With regard to business aviation, but equally interesting for airlines and private operators, the NBAA has published a useful list of the Top10 Issues for International Operators in 2016.

View the full International Operations Bulletin for 23NOV2015

NAT Tracks Change Postponed 16NOV The planned implementation of reduced separation in the Organised Track System (OTS) has been postponed. During final testing, a software issued was identified by ATC, and as a result the previous track structure remains unchanged. New waypoints introduced on 12NOV are useable. A revised implementation date is expected to be announced today, 16NOV.

KLAS/Las Vegas restrictions 17NOV Increased traffic from Monday 16NOV due NBAA Conference. Special Procedures in effect from 14NOV-23NOV affecting KLAS, KHND, and KVGT, refer to this NBAA link for details. If you are visiting the NBAA Conference, you can meet the Flight Service Bureau team at stand C12050 in the Central Hall, and collect your free show pack.

KAUS/Austin A technical problem with ATC equipment in the Austin Tracon will likely lead to delays today; service is being provided by Houston Centre instead, with a Ground Delay Program planned to manage capacity.

KLAS/Las Vegas Increased traffic from Monday 16NOV due NBAA Conference. Special Procedures in effect from 14NOV-23NOV affecting KLAS, KHND, and KVGT. Refer to https://www.nbaa.org/events/bace/2015/air-traffic/. If you are visiting the NBAA Conference, you can meet the Flight Service Bureau team at stand C12050 in the Central Hall, and collect your show pack (you can reserve one here).

KXXX/USA Several incidents reported of laser beams pointed at aircraft, on 13NOV Southwest and American were targeted at KPHX/Phoenix, and on 11NOV three aircraft at KDAL/Dallas Love were illuminated.

KXXX/USA Runway Closures BWI-RWY 10/28 CLOSED SEA-RWY 16C/34C CLOSED LAS-RWY 7L/25R CLOSED

KXXX/USA Snowbird 2015: The FAA have published details of Traffic Management plans for the east coast of the US during the Thanksgiving holidays, effective 24NOV to 30NOV. The highest volume days will be 25NOV and 29NOV, expect delays on north/south routes to Florida during this period. Read the full details of the airspace initiatives here.

EINN/Shannon Has an overnight runway closure. from 17NOV-20NOV 2300-0500Z for essential maintenance. If another ETOPS alternate is required on these nights consider EIDW/Dublin, EGAA/Belfast or EGPF/Glasgow.

LFXX/France A Notam issued Friday (A4850/15) regarding Border Controls remains in place, in practice the Notam is a reminder to airlines of existing requirements only. Expect delays due security checks at all French Airports, and many closures of public buildings and transport systems in France.

VLVT/Vientiane, Laos has reopened after a runway closure on 13NOV due to a disabled aircraft. An MA60 had aquaplaned and partially blocked the runway.

MNXX/Nicaragua closed its border with Costa Rica on Sunday 15NOV in response to the wave of Cuban migrants moving northward to the United States. Costa Rican officials had previously issued transit visas to approximately 1,200 detained Cuban refugees at the Panamanian border. One Cuban migrant stated that there were approximately 2,000 Cubans waiting on the Costa Rican side of the Nicaraguan border.

NFFN/Nadi, Fiji Refurbished departure lounge opens today 16NOV; the government will spend another 105 million USD to upgrade the Airport further in the coming year.

PAZA/Anchorage FIR Two new waypoints have been added for Polar operations. Those waypoints are LETUN and BAREK.

LFxx/France ATC Industrial action planned for 17NOV has been cancelled.

LIxx/Italy FIR There has been a call for an Italian National Strike, including ENAV ATC personnel, on 24NOV 1200-1600 UTC. More information will be posted as soon as it is available.

PLCH/Christmas Island As per NOTAM A1581/15 Jet A-1 fuel limited in supply. Sched flights to minimize fuel uplift on arrival or maximize tankering into PLCH. Tech stops cannot be made. In effect until 04DEC.

PKMJ/Marshall Island Construction is planned at the eastern end of RWY25; authorities have notified expected delays of up to 30mins including airborne holding.

FMEE/Reunion Airport will be closed from 16NOV-28NOV on Mon, Weds, Fri for surface work. Airfield cannot be used as an alternate except in case of emergency. All traffic services will be provided normally for all aircraft crossing La Reunion TMA. Refer to NOTAM A1452/15.

FAA The FAA is rolling out Controller Pilot Data Link Communications-Departure Clearance (CPDLC-DCL). Currently, only George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TX (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, TX (HOU) and Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah (SLC) are operational, however, the FAA plans to bring 56 airports online by the end of 2016. KTEB/Teterboro is scheduled to be operational by the end of MAR2016.

View the full International Operations Bulletin for 16NOV2015