29NOV: WE QUIT. Unsafe airspace warning, Bali volcano, Shanwick changes

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.
 EGGX/Shanwick From December 7, you’ll need datalink in most of the NAT Region between FL350-390. After Jan 4, you can expect additional RLAT tracks, and in March, PBCS. Need more on that? Read our NAT Changes 2017 page. Confused? Read our NAT: Choose your own Adventure guide to figure out what happens if you don’t have HLA approval, RVSM, TCAS, RNP4, Datalink, or enough coffee on board.

ZKZZ/North Korea. On November 3rd, the FAA published Notam 23/17, which now prohibits US operators from entering any of the Pyongyang FIR. replacing SFAR79 and previous advice to ‘exercise caution’. The situation remains tense, and as highlighted by FSB in September, the western portion of the Japan FIR is a risk area due to multiple missile re-entries into the same portion of Japanese airspace. Updated UAS 29NOV.

GAZZ/Mali The conflict in Mali is onging. Germany added a new specific warning for GAKL/Kidal on 15 Nov, in addition to GATB/Timbuktu and GAGO/Gao. Updated UAS 29NOV.

OEZZ/Saudi Arabia is now at Level 2 – assessed risk. Due to military activity related to the involvement in Yemen, it is suggested to avoid the southwestern region of the Jeddah FIR. On Nov 4 a missile launched from Yemen reached Riyadh Airport. Saudi sources say missile was intercepted, this is not yet confirmed. Threats have been made by Yemen of further strikes. Updated UAS 29NOV.

OAZZ/Afghanistan The situation in Afghanistan remains similar. On November 15, Germany removed wording to maintain FL330 or higher, no altitude advice now exists, but they recommend against landings at Afghan airports. Updated UAS 29NOV.

SOZZ/French Guyana There seems to be no end in sight for the French Guiana ATC strikes. Here’s the current situation: SOOO FIR: the entire airspace will be uncontrolled from 00-11z until further notice (extended beyond 01Dec). That means there will be no ATC staff on duty during these times. Basically, during the closure, there’s a contingency plan in place: so if you want to cross this bit of airspace, there are now very specific routes and levels you have to fly at. Check these carefully prior to ops, and make sure you’re at the right flight level before crossing the FIR boundary. Once you’re inside the FIR, don’t change your speed or level. Read the article.

ORZZ/Iraq has reopened to international carriers for overflights, or, better put, international carriers are starting to overfly again. Emirates was the first international airline to resume overflights of Iraq, with the first flights through the Baghdad FIR on Monday Nov 27, followed closely behind by Turkish Airlines. According to FSB sources, the GCAA authorized UAE based airlines to use this airspace, after several years of restrictions. Emirates anticipates that about 150 flights a day will now route via Iraq, rather than having to take longer routes via Saudi Arabia or Iran. This is the first in several steps we expect will lead to almost full resumption of overflights over Iraq, meaning operators will have shorter routes through the Middle East available once again. The next step will be for the FAA to authorise US carriers to overfly Iraq – most likely at FL260 or above. That approval was initially slated for the end of October, but was held back after events on the ground posed a security concern for UM860 and UM688 – the two main routes through the Baghdad FIR to Europe and vv.

EHAM/Amsterdam New time slot system currently being trialled, where passengers travelling within the Schengen area can reserve a spot at a certain time to pass through security. The system is designed to reduce the huge queues at peak travel times.

DXZZ/Togo Further anti-government protests planned on Nov 29-30 and Dec 2 in the capital Lome and other urban centres. Authorities have said they may temporarily suspend SMS and internet services during the protests.

MMZZ/Mexico From Dec 7 onwards, HF radio in Mexico’s oceanic FIR MMFO/Mazatlan will be provided by San Francisco Radio, for all flights above FL195. So for all position reports or route/level change requests, contact them on any of the following: 3413, 5574, 8843, 8915 or 13354 KHZ.

VGZZ/Bangladesh Nationwide strike planned for Nov 30, protesting against recent electricity price hikes. In the capital, Dhaka, expect increased security, transportation disruptions, and possible protests.

LLBG/Tel Aviv Airport workers are planning to stage a 24hr strike from Fri to Sat evening, Dec 1-2. If the strike goes ahead, this would pretty much completely shut down the airport – only a skeleton staff would remain at the airport to deal with emergencies.

SBZZ/Brazil is launching a new e-visa program. From Jan 15, travelers from the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan can apply for visas online. The issuing process should take around 72hrs.

ZZZZ/Worldwide FSB made a permit map. It’s new. It will give you a quick summary of overflight and landing requirements for each country. If you want the full bible, then you can buy the new FSB Permit Book that goes with it. Try the map.

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.


23Nov: NAT changes in 2 weeks, new Overflight Permit map, airspace update

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

GOZZ/Senegal They’ve built a whole new international airport at Dakar, called GOBD/Blaise Diagne International Airport. On Dec 7 at 12z, all scheduled operations will switch to there from the current airport – GOOY/Dakar. After that, they plan to close down the old airport. No official word yet on when exactly that will happen.

OYSN/Sanaa The Houthi-led government which runs the capital city has said that Sanaa Airport is now repaired and ready to receive international flights, after being damaged by a Saudi airstrike on Nov 14. The Saudi-led coalition will re-open the airport to aid flights on Nov 23, but there is still a ban on commercial traffic.

LTZZ/Turkey US nationals arriving in Turkey on flights originating from outside of the US used to be issued a visa sticker on arrival, no questions asked. Now that’s all changing – you’ll need to prove you have legal residency in a country other than the United States. The U.S. and Turkey both massively reduced issuance of visas for each other’s countries in October, following the arrest of a U.S. consulate worker in Turkey.

LIZZ/Italy More strikes and travel disruption throughout Dec. On Dec 1, some airport workers will strike for 24 hours at airports in Milan: LIMC/Malpensa and LIML/Linate. Nationwide, some Alitalia staff will be on strike all day on Dec 7 and Dec 15. And expect some delays on the trains across the country on Dec 17, when some staff are planning an eight-hour strike from 9-17 local time.

WADD/Denpasar There was a small eruption at Bali’s Mount Agung on Nov 21, with volcanic ash being reported up to FL130. So far no disruption to ops, however the forecast upper level winds in the next 24hrs may push the cloud south towards the airport.

KSMO/Santa Monica The airport will be completely closed from Dec 12-23, as they’ll be pressing ahead with their runway shortening project, despite ongoing litigation by NBAA and other parties against this. The airport’s only runway will be shortened from 4,973ft to 3,500ft.

NGFU/Tuvalu has signed up to the Chicago Convention, and is set to become the 192nd Member State of ICAO on Dec 18.

SOZZ/French Guiana Continuing ATC strikes. Airspace will be uncontrolled from 00-11z across the entire SOOO FIR. All airports in the country, including SOCA/Cayenne, will now be closed each day from 0000-0300z and 0630-1100z until Dec 1 due to the strike action.

EGKK/Gatwick Every night from 2300-0530z until the end of Nov, the main runway (08R/26L) will be closed. During that time, the northern runway (08L/26R) will be open – the one that normally gets used as a taxiway! There’s no ILS on this runway, so approaches must be DME or RNAV.

KPBI/Palm Beach A Presidential TFR is in place at KPBI/Palm Beach for the entire Thanksgiving period, meaning no GA arrivals from 1715 local on Nov 21 to 1930 local on Nov 26. If you need to get to the area during those dates, gateway airport procedures are in place for arrivals to KMCO/Orlando, KFLL/Fort Lauderdale, KIAD/Dulles, KTEB/Teterboro and KHPN/Westchester. For gateway screening, make sure you register with TSA at least 24 hours prior to departure by calling them at 561-616-9650.

MHZZ/Honduras Expect heightened security and travel disruption over the next week, in the lead up to national elections on Nov 26. More than 30,000 military personnel will be mobilised across the country from Nov 20 onwards, to help maintain order. Rallies are likely in the major urban centres.

CYYR/Goose Bay Both runways are now open and the airport has returned to full operations, following a full airport closure earlier this month when a problem was spotted with runway sealant which was causing the surface to be ‘sticky’ in places.

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.


16NOV: Scam Invoices, Yemen airport bombed, France ATC strike, North Korea overflights

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LFZZ/France ATC Strike ongoing. Impact: latest on the Eurocontrol NOP, this little French ATC page, as well as in OpsGroup Slack. Reroutes: Shanwick says: T9 and T213 available for suitably equipped aircraft. Algeria says: Algerian airspace available without special permission but file FPL to DAAAZQZX. Tunisia says: Tunisian airspace available without special permission but file FPL to DTTCZQZX and DTTCZRZX. Read full article.OYSN/Sanaa The Saudi Coalition bombed the airport on Tuesday, which is currently controlled by rebel forces. VOR/DME destroyed. UN staff report runway, taxiway, ramp, terminal and ATC tower not hit and in good condition. The Coalition closed the airport in August 2016 to all but a few UN aid flights. The Saudi coalition have allowed OYAA/Aden Airport to re-open today, after it was closed following the missile strike on Riyadh Nov 4.

CYYR/Goose Bay One runway has been returned to full service (16/34, 9580ft), following a problem last week with sealant which caused it to be sticky in places. Cleanup will now commence on the second runway (08/26), although there is no timeline for its reopening.

DAAG/Algiers There will only be one runway in operation from now until Feb. Expect delays at peak times.

ZKZZ/North Korea Mainstream media says “tensions are high” in the region, with potential for another missile launch. Maybe. At the very least, read up on where these missiles have been ending up in the Sea of Japan. We suggest you read the FSB original version rather than the somewhat sensational Daily Express version of our guidance.

ZZZZ/Worldwide Couple of scam warnings, to keep you out of trouble this week. First, if you haven’t gotten a fake Eurocontrol invoice, you’ll get one soon. Check carefully. The real ones come from eurocontrol.int. The others will send your money to Nigeria. Second, if you’re a contract pilot, and the rate you’re getting for a new gig seems to good to be true, it is. If it’s an LN- reg Hawker 800 out of LFML, they want your bank details and the direction of funds won’t be in your favour. Know of more? Tell us.

VIDP/Delhi Air quality improving, smog still causing some issues though. Some operators had cancelled international ops, those flights now resumed.

WADD/Denpasar Volcanic activity at Bali’s Mount Agung has decreased, but an eruption remains possible. When it does erupt, WADD/Denpasar will close, and the Indonesian authorities will turn to their contingency plan they have prepared to divert international traffic to other airports. Scheduled operators are still carrying additional divert fuel into WADD.

KZZZ/USA The FAA has published a ton of information on Thanksgiving and Snowbird routes for the upcoming holiday season. Everything you might need is here.

EGGW/Luton As runway repair work continues, the airport will be closed to all movements overnight from 0000-0530z until Dec 6, and then again from Jan 6-14.

TJZZ/Puerto Rico Temporary ATC towers are operational at TJRV/Ceiba – call 122.7 15nm out, and TJPS/Ponce – same frequency, and ground on 119.25. ATC at Ponce is operating 10-22Z.

KZZZ/USA The FAA has updated the rules for EFB’s, new AC here. Key change is it is now allowing “Own Ship” display, ie. geo-referencing of your position onto a chart. Have a read.

HKJK/Nairobi Possible delays tomorrow (Friday). Large public rally planned in the city to welcome home a Kenyan politician. Supporters plan to march to the airport on Friday morning to receive him. Expect heightened security at the airport and travel delays to the city.

NZAA/Auckland only has one runway – 05R/23L – and they’re going to be upgrading its ILS. So from Dec-Feb, there’ll be no ILS on 23L, and then from Mar-Apr there’ll be no ILS on 05R. Look out for Notams which will be published soon witht the exact dates of the closures. VOR/DME and RNAV approaches will still be available throughout.

SPZZ/Peru With the rainy season about to begin, a preventive state of emergency has been declared for the next 60 days, for pretty much the entire region from SPJC/Lima up to the border with Ecuador in the north.

HUEN/Entebbe A criminal ring operating at the airport has been stopped. The ring included senior members of the police force, 8 officers arrested. Immigration, clearing and cargo handling crew members were also involved in the illegal activities, including drug smuggling, human trafficking, the sale of rhino horns, aiding and abetting tax evasion and extorting money from travelers.

SAZZ/Argentina An Air France crew was arrested on arrival in Argentina last month for not upgrading a passenger with government connections on the inbound flight. Sounds crazy, but they went to court. TIA = This is Argentina? Story here.

WMZZ/Malaysia The nighttime curfew in the waters of the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) extends to 30 November. The 1800-0600 curfew, which was set to expire on 15 November, applies to seven districts in the zone, police advised people living in these districts to remain indoors during the scheduled curfew, due to the persistent threat of kidnapping by terrorists in the Sulu Sea. The curfew is intended to help law enforcement monitor vessel movements in the area in order to protect international researchers and tourists on nearby resort islands.

HKZZ/Kenya Officials are warning about a number of fake e-visa sites. The only one you should be using is the official one: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html

OPZZ/Pakistan On Nov 9, at bomb attack approximately 4nm east of OPQT/Quetta Airport killed 3 people. The security situation remains unpredictable across the whole of Pakistan, including the high threat of terrorist attack. The authorities have announced increased security measures in all major cities today, Nov 10, where major religious processions will be held.

FQZZ/Mozambique The national airline LAM has raised concerns about airport security in Mozambique, citing deficiencies in access control, inefficient passenger and worker scrutiny, absence of officers at checkpoints, broken scanning equipment, absence of scrutiny at some freight terminals, lack of scrutiny in VIP rooms, and lack of training in police security, adding that it was concerned that they compromised the safety and security of air passengers and crew members.

KZZZ/USA According to a bulletin from the DHS, officials believe that terrorist groups are seeking alternative methods to carry out attacks against the U.S., including drones. Some terrorist groups overseas are using battlefield experiences to pursue new technologies and tactics, such as unmanned aerial systems and chemical agents that could be used outside the conflict zones. Additionally, terrorists continue to target commercial aviation and air cargo, including with concealed explosives.

VMMC/Macau Until the end of the year, the airport’s only runway will be closed for two hours between 20-22Z each Tue, Thu & Sun.

RKZZ/South Korea is opening a new ACC in Daegu. From Dec 6, Incheon ACC will continue to control airspace in the northern half of the country, but Daegu ACC will control airspace in the south.

TAPA/Antigua The runway will be closed for repair overnight Mon-Fri 0230-0900Z until the end of November.

EIDW/Dublin The longer runway (10/28) will be closed each night from 21-05Z until at least Nov 19. During these times, the shorter runway (16/34) will be open, but they’ll use 16 for both take-offs and landings – the LDA will be 1692m, and temporary runway end lights will be installed.

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09NOV: UAE and Saudi threat, CYYR closed, Italy strike, Polar alternates

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

ENSB/Svalbard Discussions complete with the Norwegian CAA! You can continue to use ENSB as an ETOPS or emergency alternate. When the airport changed to domestic status in October, it meant that operators could no longer file ENSB as a destination alternate. But, CAA says that it will remain available H24 for emergency diverts, and RFF8 is the normal fire category. If you want to confirm any details, chat with ATC there at +47 67 03 54 25. Full article.

VIDP/Delhi A double whammy of delays at Delhi Airport at the moment. One of the airport’s three runways is already completely closed for repair until 0130Z on Nov 10, but now extreme smog is causing extra delays as flights are having to be staggered. Avoid VIDP for the next few days if possible. FSB Blog.

LIZZ/Italy The National ATC Strike planned for Friday from 12-16Z, has been cancelled. Ops normal, apart from some potential local stoppages at LIRF and LIPO. No further dates for strikes set. FSB Blog.

SBGR/Sao Paulo New long term parking procedures are in effect at SBGR – if you want to stay for longer than 3 hours, you’ll have to go park over in the Open Air Hangar (OAH) area, rather than just on the apron as before. The F1 Grand Prix is coming up there again on Nov 11-12; last year they were turning away lots of aircraft because they had no space to park them – this year, that won’t be a problem. The bad news is it’s probably going to cost a fortune to park on the OAH – expect around $2000 USD per 24 hours (without any serious price reductions if you stay for less time), and a mandatory towing charge of $300 USD each way. FSB Blog.

OYZZ/Yemen The Saudi Arabia coalition has closed all air, sea and land borders with Yemen after the missile strike on Riyadh on Nov 4, effectively closing all airports in Yemen. Yemenia airlines said Monday that the coalition, which controls Yemen’s airspace, had declined it permission to fly out of Aden and Seiyun, the only two remaining functioning airports. OYSN/Sanaa has been closed since August 2016. All UN humanitarian flights to Yemen, one of the few international operators, have been cancelled after flights were no longer given clearance from the Saudi-led coalition to land in the country. Full article.

ORZZ/Iraq Local ATC controllers tell us that the strike is over – they are running what they call ‘ops normal’ for two weeks, before they will/may strike again as negotiations continue. Inside word is that a number of local controllers have been fired, and Serco were providing most of the staff to cover the centre. Baghdad FIR Control Centre and Iraqi Airports are running normally – for now.

DNZZ/Nigeria A shortage of Jet A1 is affecting operations in Nigeria, especially affecting DNMM/Lagos and DNAA/Abuja. This has happened in previous years also, with local comment that it may be artificially created. Check before operating or using DN as RALT.

SOZZ/French Guiana The ATC strike has been extended to Nov 15. Airspace will be uncontrolled during the daytime hours 1100-2030z, but ATC will be working at night – unless you see any last-minute Notams saying otherwise. During this time, if you want to cross this bit of airspace, there are now very specific routes and levels you have to fly at in their contingency plan. Once you’re inside the FIR, don’t change your speed or level. ATC staff at SOCA/Cayenne airport are not part of this strike, but check airport Notams for various runway closures throughout November.

RPZZ/Philippines ASEAN Summit coming up this Friday, more restrictions announced. RPLB/Subic Bay will be completely closed to civilian ops until Nov 15. Expect it to be especially busy at RPLL/Manila. Nov 12-15 only allowing departures from 13, and arrivals on 31, and GA banned unless connected to the event. FSB Blog.

OMDW/Dubai The Dubai Airshow will be taking place between Nov 12-16 at Dubai’s second airport, Al Maktoum International. However, with all the rehearsals they’ll be doing, the airport will be closed to non-airshow traffic at various times each day starting from Nov 8th. So if you’re headed there, check the Notams carefully. FSB Blog.

SUZZ/Uruguay The ATC strike has been extended, with three more days of 2 hour stoppage action added – Nov 12, 14 and 16. Only departures affected.

MMOX/Oaxaca Significant disruption from ongoing roadblocks by transport workers. Blockades have reportedly been erected on some roads heading towards Xoxocotlan International Airport (OAX).

FAOR/Johannesburg Another ‘Follow-home’ robbery on Nov 2. Three foreign travellers were robbed after being followed from OR Tambo airport, and used Police ID to stop the vehicle. Persistent crime threat, crews should be aware.

LEZZ/Spain Roadblocks reported around Barcelona, blocking Via Laietana, Travessera de Dalt and Gran Via avenue. and on the C-17 motorway. Protesters are reacting to the arrest of Catalan leaders by the Spanish authorities, following the region’s unilateral declaration of independence on 27 October. Major demonstrations are planned for Nov 11-12. FSB Blog.

EHRD/Rotterdam Closed for runway repair from 23-05z each night until Nov 12, and then the airport will be completely closed for three full days from Nov 13-16. FSB Blog.

URRR/Rostov A new airport has been built, called Platov International Airport, and it’s set to open on Dec 1. ICAO code will be URRP, and the longest runway is 3200m. This will replace the old URRR/Rostov Airport, which is expected to close by March 2018.

KZZZ/USA The FAA has published a ton of information on Thanksgiving and Snowbird routes for the upcoming holiday season. Everything you might need is here.

OEZZ/Saudi Arabia Several press reports quoting a Yemeni rebel threat to further target Saudi and UAE airports, after their missile reached OERK on Saturday, specifically, ‘We urge all airline companies and travelers to avoid airports in both Saudi and UAE as we consider them a legitimate military targets within the range of our ballistic missiles’. Full article.

NCRG/Rarotonga has limited fuel at the moment; won’t be available to non-scheduled flights until Nov 13.

GOOY/Dakar International Peace forum Nov 13-14, many heads of state attending, airport will be busier than normal, confirm fuel and handling.

EIZZ/Ireland You can now plan your flights DCT across Irish airspace at any flight level. Free Route Airspace (FRA) has now been extended into the lower airspace below FL245 across all of Irish airspace – this includes Shanwick OCA, the Shannon Oceanic Transition Area (SOTA) and Northern Oceanic Transition Area (NOTA).

MKZZ/Kingston FIR Updated flow requirements related to new ATC system, enroute delays possible. 40nm between aircraft entering FIR 15Z-midnight, and 80nm midnight -15Z.

NVVV/Port Vila The reconstruction of Vanuatu’s main airport has finally begun, after a few major airlines cancelled flights there back in 2016 due to the shoddy state of the runway. For now, the runway remains operational, but they’re just asking aircraft over 35 tonnes to go easy on the brakes.

LGMK/Mykonos Between Nov 12-19, the only way to get to Mykonos will be by helicopter. During this time the airport will be closed to all other flights, as they’re doing runway repair work.

FMZZ/Madagascar There has been a decline in the reported number of cases in the ongoing plague outbreak, but the disease still remains present in cities of Antananarivo and Toamasina, as well as in rural areas. There have been around 2000 cases of plague since August, including 140 fatalities. Don’t go there unless you absolutely have to.

HSZZ/South Sudan The security situation in Juba remains tense following the President’s decision on Oct 30 to deploy a military and national security personnel presence to surround the residence of the former Chief of the Army staff; he has been under house arrest since May; the UK FCO continues to advise against all travel to South Sudan.

LTZZ/Turkey On Nov 6, the U.S. diplomatic missions in Turkey resumed visa services on a “limited basis.”, a rollback of the U.S. decision on Oct 8 to suspend all non-immigrant visa services after the arrest of an employee of a U.S. Consulate; Turkey reciprocated the move the same day. It is unclear whether the U.S. will completely lift the suspension or whether Turkey will also rollback its suspension.

AYMN/Mendi Security risk, unrest over results of general elections. Airport operational (closed Oct 4-18 due local protest and violence), but airlines not yet operating there. Local sources indicate several months before normal ops will resume.

OBZZ/Bahrain US Embassy in Bahrain issued has issued a Security Message concerning travel in Bahrain. Authorities have located several unexploded IEDs recently, and there are several upcoming events which may lead to demonstration and protests.

KZZZ/USA Enhanced security measures on US-bound flights came into effect last week. These include: enhanced surveillance of aircraft on the ground and of the departure gate area; more sniffer dogs; Explosive Trace Detectors will be used for airport security checks; and there will also be a personal interview for each traveller (of the kind that already takes place for travellers on US carriers). Airlines are instructing passengers to arrive to the airport early, and to make sure all their electronic devices are charged and removed from their cases before security.

SKZZ/Colombia On Oct 31, the government authorised airstrikes against armed groups. The directive allows for military action against such groups, including dissident members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) as well as armed paramilitary groups, BACRIMs. The authorities have said that military operations will begin in the coming days; a specific date has not been announced.

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.


02Nov: Iraq ATC strike, Polar alternates, Manila restrictions, Iridium problem

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

ORZZ/Iraq Local ATC controllers tell us that the strike is over – they are running what they call ‘ops normal’ for two weeks, before they will/may strike again as negotiations continue. Inside word is that a number of local controllers have been fired, and Serco were providing most of the staff to cover the centre. Baghdad FIR Control Centre and Iraqi Airports are running normally – for now.UUZZ/Russia is threatening to close its airspace to Dutch aircraft in a dispute over landing permits for a Russian airline. Russia has given the Netherlands until Saturday to resolve the issue.

VVZZ/Vietnam New Tropical Storm: Damrey, picking up strength in the South China Sea, heading west towards Vietnam. Current max 40kts, forecast 80kts by Friday evening, by which time it should be over VVTS/Nha Trang. Next in its path would be VVTS/Ho Chi Minh, and VDPP/Phnom-Penh. There’s nothing on the Notams yet, but we’re keeping a close eye for any airport closures. Either way, flooding rain, damaging winds and mudslides are expected across southern Vietnam and much of Cambodia.

KZZZ/USA The FAA has removed MEL relief for out-of-date aircraft Nav databases, now requiring that each operator has a process to update them. Updated document in #questions on slack.

RJTT/Tokyo Haneda With the US Presidential visit to Tokyo, Haneda says to allow (lots of) extra time for travel to the airport Nov 5-7. Tokyo City will also have a ton of additional security.

SPJC/Lima ATC system is being upgraded from Nov 1-6, with delay impact likely at peak times. Enroute SPIM/Lima ACC, 7 minutes in trail required from 2330-0400Z.

RPLL/Manila Airport has issued an edict banning Bizav/GA parking for the entire UTC day of Nov 11-15, except for aircraft involved with the ASEAN conference. RPLC may be a suitable alternative option.

VIDP/Delhi Runway 11/29 will be completely closed for three full days in November – from 1830Z on the 6th until 0130Z on the 10th. Maximum of 2 non-scheduled flights to land or depart every hour. Try to avoid VIDP on these dates.

SOZZ/French Guyana Controllers are on strike. The Cayenne FIR (SOOO) is not providing ATC service overnight. Airspace uncontrolled, though some routes available through the FIR as contingency plan is active, review Notams for SOOO. SOCA/Cayenne airfield is also unavailable as an alternate overnight.

MKZZ/Jamaica For the month of November, both MKJP and MKJS will have special routing procedures for arrivals and departures. It’s all related to the new ATC system they’ve been working with. Check the NOTAMs, you can expect to use what’s published.

VGZZ/Bangladesh On Oct 31, a first officer of Biman Bangladesh Airlines was arrested with three others suspected of planning a terrorist attack involving an aircraft. According to sources of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the first officer planned to fly an aircraft into residences of senior government officials or to hijack an aircraft and take it to an undisclosed location in the Middle East. Officials did not reveal how close the suspects were to carrying out an attack.

KOAK/Oakland The main runway, 12/30 has reopened after a two week pavement overlay, meaning ops normal again at OAK. Other US closures are now: Denver 08/26 until Sunday, LAX 6L/24R and JFK 22L/4R until Tuesday.

SUZZ/Uruguay is planning another ATC strike from 6-10 November, with two hour work stoppages affecting all airports in the country, no departures allowed. Check Notams.

RJZZ/Japan Tropical Storm Saola has tracked away from Japan to the north-east, and decreased in intensity. No further impact to ops. No other active systems at present.

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27OCT: New US datalink rule, Japan storm, Met strike, ATC delays

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

LFZZ/France The French CGT Union has called for a strike on November 23 targeting the oil sector, which will likely have an affect on fuel supplies at French airports.

MXZZ/Central America Tropical Storm Selma is heading for Central America, landfall El Salvador coast on Saturday, current winds 35G45 kts.

FMZZ/Madagascar The plague epidemic that began in August 2017 has now killed 124 people. Outbreaks of plague occur regularly in Madagascar; however, this year’s outbreak began earlier than usual and is affecting urban, rather than rural, areas. Additionally, authorities have reported that the number of cases is three times higher than the yearly average. Other countries in the region have restrictions on flights from Madagascar, check Notams.

FAOR/Johannesburg A protest by taxi drivers blocked the entrance to the airport this morning, resulting in huge delays. There was a similar protest at FALA/Lanseria earlier in the week, and more may be expected.

HRYR/Kigali is going to be closed daily from 0800-1300Z to upgrade the runway to CATII, until January 24th, they say.

GLRB/Monrovia will be closed to flight operations every Monday and Thursday until further notice, due to WIP.

LOZZ/Austria appears to have a new regulation from today requiring arriving commercial flights (airlines and charter operators) to send APIS to the Austrian Border Police, before departure from port of origin. Anyone doing this already? Any feedback?

SEGU/Guayaquil Runway will be closed Nov 25 and Dec 2 from 1300-2000Z, for maintenance

MMTO/Toluca The Fly Across FBO at Toluca is now – or shortly will be – a Signature facility. MMTO is the most popular GA alternative to MMMX for Mexico City.

EDZZ/Germany Karlsruhe ACC has a new ATC system, with some enroute delays this week and likely next as well. Eurocontrol NM has the latest.

LPZZ/Portugal There is an ongoing strike this week by Met Service officials in Portugal, affecting publication of Metar/TAF information for LP* locations.

GAZZ/Mali On Oct 21, the Malian government extended the state of emergency that has been in existence since November 2015 by a year, until 31 October 2018.

KMSP/Minneapolis St Paul First snowfall of the Winter 2017/18 season today, as the weather grows colder. Ground stop likely later on.

EGLL/London Heathrow has new trial RNAV approaches to both runways. If you want to use them, say “Request RNAV Yankee” on first contact with Heathrow Director 119.725. Refer to temporary charts 12-01 thru 12-04.

EGAC/Belfast City A proposed two hour strike by Swissport baggage handlers was called off on Thursday. Negotiations continue, potential for further as dispute not resolved.

SEZZ/Ecuador Mt Reventador active, volcanic ash cloud seen up to FL380, monitor here.

EGGX/Shanwick will be running voice only on Monday evening for an hour or so from 2130Z – no CPDLC, ACARS, or ADS-B

FOOG/Port Gentil is out of fuel until the end of month, at least. Definitely check before operating, or tanker in.

KZZZ/USA In case you missed the several hundred Notams, KUSA is the new identifier for all logons in the US, including CPDLC-DCL, and enroute. There are some comments that it doesn’t work properly if you don’t have an active FPL in the box, let us know your experiences on that.

RJZZ/Japan Tropical Storm Saola is south of Japan, gusts to 80kts, will affect southerly Japan airports ROAH, RJFF, RJFK on Sunday and on current track Tokyo likely affected by Monday.

SVZZ/Venezuela Updated US State Dept travel advice Oct 23, down a level from previous – still unstable, but the edict requiring embassy family members to leave has been rescinded.

CYYZ/Toronto The nearly three-month strike of Swissport ground crew has ended. 700 workers returned to work on Oct 18, after agreeing a 3 year pay deal.

KTRI/Tri-Cities airport in Tennessee is operational again after a helicopter crash on Thursday

VOTV/Trivandrum will close for 5 hours on Saturday for a religious ceremony. Ops suspended from 16-21 LT.

ENTO/Torp, Norway has ongoing work meaning the airport is closed Sunday-Friday 0000-0600LT. Common alternate for Oslo, so take care.

VMMC/Macau From ATC: Approaches with the suffix Z are the preferred approaches; if you want something different, tell them when you join the Star.

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19OCT: Iraq soon OK above FL260, Iridium ban widens

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

EGGX/Shanwick Formidable Shield is over! They managed to run four exercises in total – on 25th Sep, 7th Oct, 15th Oct and 17th Oct – all of which closed vast areas of NAT airspace to civil ops. They were thinking about doing a fifth exercise, and maybe re-running another, but in the end they didn’t have enough time to squeeze them in. Back to normal for the NAT Tracks. Read the article.

VIZZ/India has new crew visa requirements – a Visa upon arrival is no longer available.It is now mandatory for all crew to have visas arranged before arrival to India. When flying as operating crew you will need an e-Business Visa. Carry a copy with you when disembarking. Processing time is around 4 to 5 days, and you can apply online. Keep in mind that the e-tourist visa is for pax only. Read the article.

OMAE/Emirates FIR On October 12th, GCAA announced the changes to the OMAE FIR. They’ve got it all detailed in the latest AIC. The major change: all aircraft require RNAV1 with GNSS to operate in the Emirates FIR, starting December 7th. This is a change from the previous RNAV5. With that, you can expect changes to SIDs, STARs, all ATS routes, holding procedures, communication frequencies, and others. It’s a major overhaul to anticipate for the expected increase in traffic. Read the article.

LFMN/Nice The airport will be closed for runway repair overnight between 2130-0400z from 6-11th and 13-18th Nov. There’s no Notam out there about this yet. Expect one soon.

EGGW/Luton will be closed for 27 nights from 0000L to 0530L daily, starting Monday, November 6th and ending the morning of Sunday, December 3rd, 2017 for runway resurfacing. Standard operations will be practiced outside of these hours, with little to no disruption expected during daytime.

TXKF/Bermuda Non-radar procedures are in effect for a few hours each day over the next few days, as they’ll be testing their new radar equipment, following damage sustained during hurricane Irma.

LTAA/Ankara will no longer accept ORSU/ORER traffic. This looks like a response to a request made a couple of weeks ago by the Iraqi govt, replacing the Iraqi embargo on international flights in/out of the Kurdish region, which appears to have been removed from the ORBB Notams. Iraq are restricting the airspace to the West due to the Syrian conflict, Iran banned flights from these airports weeks ago and now Turkey have followed suit. The only access to these airports is now from the South via Baghdad.

TQPF/Anguilla PPR/Flow control now in place. You’ll need to get your slot before filing for arrival or departure. All will be given 10 minute spacing. Call 1-264-497-1646 or 1-264-584-5397.

KZZZ/United States A new travel ban was to come into effect on Oct 18th. A Hawaiian judge has again ordered a temporary restraining order on the ban preventing it from being enforced. Countries placed on the ban are: Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela & Yemen.

MUCC/Cayo Coco remains closed following damage sustained by hurricane Irma, and is not expected to re-open until late October

TTZP/Piarco CPDLC will be out of service until the end of the year. All voice comms must be made via New York Radio. Aircraft are requested to log on to TTZP for ADS-C position reporting.

KBOS/Boston Signature FBO is experiencing high demand for ramp space at peak times (Mon 1400L-Fri 1800L) expected to last until end of November. Parking is first come first served; you might be directed to different ramp space, possibly repositioned to another area airport. Consider utilizing another area airport to prevent delay.

LFBO/Toulouse Fuel available 0530-1700z, outside of these times bring your own as the fuel strike is ongoing.

KTEB/Teterboro Foxes at Teterboro. Watch out. They’ll be around until Halloween, at 5pm. NOTAM KTEB 09/152 TEB AD AP WILDLIFE HAZARD RED FOX 1709292018-1710312100

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.


12OCT: Iridium Satcom Ban, Iraq airspace reopening – International Ops Bulletin

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.
EGGX/Shanwick Well, Event 3 of Formidable Shield never happened, and we’re onto Event 4 – the Big One, which is set for Oct 15th at present. We’re told the likely NAT Tracks structure on Oct 15th will be from 58N down to 54N. Westbound NAT Tracks are usually active from 1130-1900z, so on Oct 15th the forecast core westbound tracks will be going straight through the closed area of airspace. The current plan is to close the tracks at 30W at 1400z, and publish a few north-south tracks in the EGGX/Shanwick and BIRD/Reykjavik FIR’s that will go around the closed area of airspace. There may also be Tracks published going south of the area through the SPPO/Santa Maria FIR. OpsGroup members keep an eye on Team comms for updates. Read the article with map.

ORBB/Baghdad FIR Overflights of Iraq may be permitted to resume as early as next week, allowing international carriers access again to several previously heavily used routes through the eastern side of the Baghdad FIR. In May of this year, SFAR 77 – banning US operators from operating within Iraqi airspace – lapsed, and was replaced by Notam KICZ 10/2017 – which had much the same wording. However, on October 3rd, Iraq issued a new Notam (A0477/17) – with a new restricted area in the northwest of the FIR, from Surface to FL460. The previous restricted areas 601 and 701 were withdrawn. This re-shuffling of restricted airspace paves the way for two major international air routes to be reopened, UM860 and UM688 – which were realigned in April for this purpose, allowing operators additional route options through the Middle East to Europe and vv. FSB expects an official announcement shortly, and will update operators further. OpsGroup members will be notified directly.

VIKG/Kishangarh Haven’t heard of this airport? That’s because it just opened up this week in India! It’s got a 2000 meter runway, and looks to be a great way to get to Marble City or grab your Bani Thani paintings. It has 6 check in counters, and can handle 150 passengers per hour.

ZBAA/Beijing Due to the 19th session of the Communist Party in Bejiing, Captial International Airport will reportedly be closed to all GA traffic not participating in the event from Oct 12-25

UUZZ/Moscow Moscow ATC moved to a new Ops Centre on Oct 10th, you might notice some changes.

TNCM/St. Maarten is open again as of Oct 10th. The first flight out was from the national carrier, Winair, to St. Eustatius and the first international flight was operated by Delta, which landed at around 1.50 pm. Still having comms issues, if you’re planning on going there anytime soon, the advice is to file your return flight plan from your point of origin. The airport operator tells us by email “ATC is operational and will provide separation and clearances for all aircraft landing into SXM Airport and flying over to neighboring islands. Security measures will be at 100% level for all areas. The terminal building is not yet operational. In the makeshift hall we will have Kiosks to accommodate a variety of concessionaire services such as food and beverage.”

LTZZ/Turkey suspended issuance of visas to US citizens on Oct 10. However, most operating crew will not be impacted. When listed on Gendec as Operating crew and you have a valid crew ID, you may stay up to 72hrs without visa.

NTZZ/Tahiti FIR has no radar services available between Oct 23-28, due to maintenance.

EGMC/London Southend A new private jet centre is opening in November, which will be open 24/7 for 364 days a year. The airport has no slot restrictions, and claims to offer faster departure routes outside of London airspace. They will also have competitive rates for landing, handling and parking – for example, to park a BBJ for 24hrs will cost £1000. The airport is under an hour’s drive to central London.

BIZZ/Reykjavik FIR They’re running a volcanic ash exercise over the next few days. You might see some scary notams get published – as long as it’s got ‘EXERCISE VOLCICE’ on it, don’t worry.

EINN/Shannon Yay! Runway repair work has been completed, and the airport is now operational 24/7 once again. You can get back to filing RALT/EINN like you did in Spring.

ORZZ/Iraq The Turkish President is now threatening to close their entire airspace border with Iraq. The Iraqi CAA have already suspended international flights to ORER and ORSU in the Kurdish autonomous region of Iraq, following a controversial referendum on independence there last month.

TJSJ/San Juan Jet Aviation’s FBO has re-opened in San Juan. They say – “Our FBO has power and water and can be reached by normal access roads. We’re providing full service including fuelling, ground handling, and aircraft service and parking on our ramp. We are operating with email fboservices@pazosfbopr.com and cell-phone service (+1 787 399 3260 or +1 787 923 8259) and are taking reservations and service requests from customers. The FBO is operating seven days a week, 5am to 12am. midnight. Flights after midnight will be coordinated on an individual request basis.”

EZZZ/Europe What’s the latest on US operators and using MMEL vs MEL in Europe. The issue was a big one before the summer, but we haven’t heard anything of late, and people are asking. Can you help? Tell team@fsbureau.org.

ENSB/Svalbard This is now officially a domestic airport – international arrivals are no longer permitted. However, the ATC tower at the airport say that you can still use ENSB as an emergency divert, as long as they are open (06-14z). Norway CAA say international charter flights may still be allowed “in the interests of tourism”, but it seems this will be the exception rather than the rule. They’ve done this because the airport is apparently “not in line with the standards of an international airport”. So now, if you want to go to Svalbard you will first have to go to one of Norway’s international airports to clear customs, and then continue on to Svalbard as a domestic flight. Interestingly, you can still fly to ENSB direct from Russia, as they have a separate agreement from 1974 regarding the use of  the airport – which is unaffected by this new rule. Even more interesting is that when you get to Svalbard, if you decide to leave the main town of Longyearbyen, it is a legal requirement to carry a gun, and to know how to use it – they’re not joking about those polar bears.

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.


05OCT: PR Ops, French Strike, Shanwick Closure

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

 LFZZ/France Looks like another French ATC strike is on the cards for next week. Several ATC unions have called for a work stoppage, affecting French airports and airspace from Monday evening (Oct 9) through Wednesday (Oct 11). There are no specifics just yet as to impact on FIR’s or specific airports, but this follows a previous pattern with French strikes that tends to have a high impact – meaning Ops to or over France are best avoided next Monday evening and Tuesday. DGAC/DNSA will hold a teleconference in French at 1130Z  this Friday (on +33 (0) 1 49 94 80 41, no PIN required), followed by a Eurocontrol teleconference in English at 1300Z. We will post any further information here as soon as received. Read the full article.

MHZZ/Central America Tropical Storm Nate is currently just off the northern coast of Nicaragua, moving NW at 8 kts with sustained winds of 35 Kts. Forecast to move towards Louisiana over the weekend as a Cat 1 Hurricane. Heavy rain expected across Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, Belize and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsular. No airport closures anywhere yet, but keep an eye on the forecast for MMUN/Cancun, as that’s directly in the path of the storm.

TJZZ/Puerto Rico We got a ton of useful reports in the last few days from OPSGROUP members that have been to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. OPSGROUP members can login to Aireport for the full reports and latest additions as we get them – just view the latest reports and scroll through to see all.

GLZZ/Liberia On Oct 10th presidential and general elections will take place in Liberia causing political rallies and large gatherings to become more frequent during this time, particularly Oct 6th-8th.  Expect road blockages and disruption to traffic in the area of Monrovia, and disruptions and delays along the airport road on Oct 7th.

TJSJ/San Juan As of Tuesday night, slots are now only required if you’re using the contingency ramp at San Juan – for that, call MFOC at 001-850-283-5994 and for all other flights file FPL normally.

UACC/Astana is experiencing a fuel shortage. The airport authority has restricted refueling until further notice, operators should tanker though. If tankering isn’t possible, you should advise estimated uplift requirements as early as possible, so coordination can begin ASAP.

LSZZ/Switzerland In 2018, Switzerland will be launching their own emissions trading scheme, to integrate with the rest of the European ETS. All domestic flights, flights from Switzerland into Europe, will require this ETS. Read the full article.

VTZZ/Thailand A travel advisory has been issued to visitors and tourists, regarding the cremation ceremony of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct 25-29th. The ceremony is expected to draw 250,000 people to Bangkok and 70,000+ security personnel. They are expecting large crowds to disrupt traffic in Bangkok, and warned that some routes may be closed to traffic. The ceremony may affect services on 26 October, which officials have declared a national holiday.

VISR/Srinagar, India On Oct 3rd, three Islamist militants launched an attack on a Border Security Force (BSF) compound near Srinagar International Airport (VISR/SXR), located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Soldiers killed all three militants in a 10-hour gun battle. One soldier was killed. There were no casualties or damage at the airport, but the facility was closed for more than five hours.

EDDK/Cologne Airport is PPR for non-scheduled and GA Traffic until Dec 27th. You can get your PPR 72 hours prior, +49 2203 40 4310 or flightinfo@cgn.de.

EETN/Tallinn Parking PPR is required from Oct 2-12 if you’re going to be on the ground for more than 3 hours. ad.apron.control@tll.aero.  Exempt for scheduled and home based aircraft.

KLAX/Los Angeles From Oct 2-3, one of the 4 runways at KLAX will be completely closed for repair – RWY 24R/6L on the north side of the airport. During this time, the parallel RWY 24L/6R will be used for both arrivals and departures. Expect longer taxi times and departure delays throughout October, particularly at peak times.

LTZZ/Turkey GPS signal outages continue, expect interruptions to service within the Ankara FIR.

UTTT/Tashkent Sounds like there might be a fuel shortage again – until the end of the year, the airport is only available as an alternate for aircraft ‘with enough fuel on board for onward flight to their intended destination’. Although the airport is still fully serviceable as an en-route alternate, aircraft that use Tashkent as a destination alternate and end up having to divert here will face ‘extremely’ long delays for refueling.

ANYN/Nauru No HF radio coverage at Nauru until the end of the year. If you’re operating there, maintain HF contact with Brisbane  until you can make VHF contact with Nauru on 118.1MHZ or 126.MHZ. For overflights in the region outside of VHF range, you can contact them on satphone: either +61 147 148478 or +61 147 163879.

URSS/Sochi On Oct 10-21 Sochi will be hosting this year’s World Festival of Youth and Students. 2hr maximum ground time for flights not connected with the event. Expect long delays for fuelling – tanker in if possible.

LYBE/Belgrade Oct 8-11: No ad-hoc commercial or GA flights allowed, and you cannot use as an alternate, due to a mysterious “government event” Notam (it’s actually just an official state visit by the Turkish President).

MKZZ/Jamaica The airspace has now pretty much returned to normal, but ATC are moving over to a new system after deciding not to repair their radar which was damaged in a lightning strike last month. For now: 40 miles between aircraft on the same route regardless of flight level, and 40 miles between arrivals to MKJP.

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.


28SEP: Hurricane Maria – trail of Airport destruction, NAT airspace closure – International Ops Bulletin

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.
NZZZ/New Zealand Ops are slowly returning to normal in New Zealand as the fuel crisis which has affected operators in the region for the last 2 weeks is almost resolved. A pipeline fracture north of Auckland on Sep 16 brought supplies there to nil, meaning operators had to refuel at Wellington, Christchurch and other South Pacific airports instead. Ops through Fiji and Rarotonga were busier than normal with the increase in tech stops restricting supplies there also. Check with your handler for the latest.

ENSB/Longyear The Norwegian Ministry of Transport is planning to change the status of ENSB to domestic only effective 01 Oct, meaning that international flights may no longer be accepted. Negotiations ongoing with CAA. Not yet clear whether this will affect use of ENSB as an enroute alternate.

FHAW/Ascension is scheduled to be closed for repairs from Oct 21-30 and Nov 2-8.

LGSA/Chania has limited fuel supply due to an equipment issue, through Oct 2 at present.

VHHH/Hong Kong CAD permit office is closed for a public holiday Oct 2-5. They advise that non-scheduled aircraft will not be processed during this time, so arrange your flight well in advance.

VICG/Chandigarh has restricted Ops from Oct 2 due to runway repairs; it will close on Sundays, and only open 5am-4pm local on all other days.

WADD/Denpasar Mount Agung, a volcano on the Island of Bali, has been showing signs of impending eruption. Some airlines are taking the precaution of carrying extra contingency fuel into Denpasar. WADD airport is currently functioning as normal, but is anticipating closure if any volcanic activity does occur. If Agung follows its previous eruption pattern there is potential for WARR/Surabaya to be affected.

KSMO/Santa Monica From 09 Oct to 30 Dec work to shorten KSMO’s only runway from 5000ft to 3500ft will begin. The runway will be closed overnight from 09OCT to 20DEC, and then closed completely for a ten day period from 20-30DEC. The goal is to reduce air and noise pollution by reducing overall traffic.

LIPH/Treviso will be closing at 2200 on Oct 3 for runway repairs, reopening 0500 on Oct 19. Most scheduled services will be using LIPZ/Venice instead. If you want to do the same, plan ahead as it’s likely to be busy.

LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR Everything – Airspace and airports – closing from 1100Z on Sep 29, until 2030Z on Sep30 for Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the year. Only emergency ops will be accommodated.

SOOO/Cayenne FIR Industrial action ongoing, contingency plan in place between 1100-2030Z. Essentially it all becomes uncontrolled, unmonitored airspace for the time period specified. No speed or level changes, position reporting required. Specified routes only. They recommend avoiding the airspace if you can, so do we.

EGPK/Prestwick Experiencing ongoing staff shortages which will affect services at night. Check before flying. Procedural approaches, airport closures will be in place on and off from now through Oct 30.

ORZZ/Iraq Tensions around the Kurdish autonomous region are rising, Iran will not accept aircraft that have departed from ORER and ORSU. The Iraqi govt is demanding to be given control of the airports and the Turkish govt is threatening armed intervention in the region. The Turkish govt is also threatening to close its borders with Iraq.

VNKT/Kathmandu Frequent unscheduled closures due to a deteriorating runway surface.

RKZZ/South Korea All government offices in South Korea will be closed starting the afternoon of September 29 through October 9 due to a series of holidays that fall together this year. Normal working hours will resume on October 10. May affect your permit applications.

EINN/Shannon Night works continue throughout Sep which will be closing the main runway (06/24) – and therefore the airport. Try EICK or EIDW as alternates (but check Dublin’s runway too). Notams are regularly update for EINN, check those.

MMZZ/Mexico Ops at Mexico City Airports (MMMX, MMTO) are back to normal following the most recent earthquake. MMMX was closed briefly for a runway/taxiway inspection. Terminal damage, but not affecting international ops airside.

KZZZ/USA A new travel ban has been announced. Effective Oct 18 citizens of the following countries are restricted from travelling to the USA: Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.

URSS/Sochi is expecting to be busy in Oct as CIS heads of state are meeting there 08-10 Oct. BA/GA flights not taking officials to that meeting will be limited to 2hrs on ground. Tanker as much there as you can. Long delays for arrivals and a request to minimise time on the ground by not refuelling there.

HRYR/Kigali The airport will be closed daily from 08-13z for runway repairs through the end of October.

EIDW/Dublin Runway 10/28 will be closed at night from 2200-0400 through Oct 1.

LPAZ/Santa Maria is not providing Metar/TAF information overnight (0000-0600Z) until Oct 10.

CZZZ/Canada If you have paid Nav fees to Nav Canada in the previous year, you are likely in for a refund in the form of an account credit. They are also reducing their fees.

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.


14SEP: Airport Status after Irma, Getting out of Beijing – International Ops Bulletin

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

TIST/St. Thomas Airport is closed except for military and hurricane relief ops until 16SEP at the earliest. A contingency ramp has been set up to support hurricane Irma disaster response and recovery missions. All flight operations requiring services from this contingency ramp must get prior permission and a slot from the Irma flight operations coordination center (IFOCC) at 001-850-282-0236. [more in Aireport]

VIDP/Delhi Delays likely as one of the longer runways (RWY28) will be closed for landings until mid-October. [more in Aireport]

EINN/Shannon The overnight closures at Shannon will be extended until at least 01OCT. [more in Aireport]

EIDW/Dublin The long runway (RWY 10/28) will be closed for repair again this week overnight from 2200-0400z. The other shorter runway will remain open though (RWY 16/34, 2702m). [more in Aireport]

LBSF/Sofia Starting at the end of September, any aircraft code B or above will not be able to park at Sofia for more than 72hrs.

LOWW/Vienna Want to remind operators that they need to put their arrival and departure slot ID numbers in section 18 of their filed ATC flight plans. If you don’t do it in the proper format, your flight plan will be automatically rejected by CFMU. See Austrian AIP SUP 019/13 for full details of how to do it! [more in Aireport]

EPWW/Poland No data link services will be provided in Polish airspace between now and next FEB, as they will be testing their systems during this time.

TNCM/St. Maarten Airport is non-operational, probably the worst hit of all airports in the path of Hurricane Irma. [more in Aireport]

UZZZ/Russia Eruption of Volcano Shiveluch in Kamchatka, East Russia. Ash cloud reported from SFC to FL330.

RJZZ/Japan According to information emerging on 5 September 2017, the Japanese government is working to establish a four-tier emergency evacuation plan in preparation for a potential escalation in the situation with North Korea. Each tier will escalate according to the severity of the situation; the tiers include discouraging unessential travel to South Korea, discouraging all travel to South Korea, urging Japanese citizens to evacuate South Korea, and urging Japanese citizens to shelter in place. Cited as an example in the implementation of the plan, if skirmishes were to occur between the two Koreas, the Japanese government would discourage all new travel to South Korea and urge citizens to evacuate using commercial flights. Japan would implement the fourth tier in the event an attack prompted the closure of South Korean airport facilities. South Korea has reportedly agreed to give Japanese nationals access to safe zones — such as subway stations — in the event of a shelter-in-place directive. Japan is also coordinating with U.S. forces to transport evacuees by sea from Busan in the event of an evacuation.

OIZZ/Iran Iranian FARS news agency has reported that Iran has now banned US and Saudi aircraft (including commercial airlines) from entering its airspace. Still no official statement from the CAA or Notam yet…

UIBB/Bratsk Prior permission required until the end of September, due to limited fuel availability.

LDZA/Zagreb Airport’s only runway closed to all traffic (including emergency diverts) at various different times overnight until 17SEP. [more in Aireport]

UMMS/Minsk Airport closed most nights throughout September from 2100-0200z.

SOCA/Cayenne Take note when flying here, lots going on between 0000-0300 and 0630-1100 daily from now and 30NOV. Issues with staff shortages. The lower space FIR of SOCA will be unavailable to IFR traffic except state and emergency flights and you cannot file as an alternate unless you are based in SOCA, a state flight or emergency. [more in Aireport]

EGCC/Manchester You should uplift additional fuel before departing for Manchester. With Runway 05L/23R closed there is a high potential for holding delays. [more in Aireport]

EDDH/Hamburg Airport is closed from from 2159-0330 daily from 13-16SEP. [more in Aireport]

EETN/Tallinn PPR required for parking longer than 3hrs. Email to  ad.apron.control@tll.aero from now until 02OCT. [more in Aireport]

GVBA/Boa Vista Aerodrome Closed on Wed 1700-1900 and Thurs 0900-1000 from now until 31OCT due to runway works.

HEAX/Alexandria Only available to domestic flights for private aircraft, Helicopters, Petroleum Air Service and Egyptian Air Force from now until 28NOV. [more in Aireport]

USHH/Khanti-Mansi Check before flying here. The airport is closed sporadically right through September.

WSSL/WSSS/Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix is on soon, making Singapore busy and slots difficult to obtain. Arrange well in advance. Busiest dates expected 13-19SEP. [more in Aireport]

OMAE/United Arab Emirates All traffic routing M318 leaving the Emirates FIR towards MEVDO, plan on exiting VIA M550 – RIBOT

EGZZ/United Kingdom The UK has added North Korea to airspace warnings in their AIP ENR 1.1. They are warning of the area between 1200000E and 140000E due to the unannounced missile tests in the area of the Sea of Japan.  See NOTAM V0012/17 for full text.

SPJC/Peru Strikes are taking place in the historic centre of Lima and some other parts of the country, leading to temporary transport disruption. You should monitor the news and follow local advice. [more in Aireport]

ESMX/Kronoberg PPR required for all non-scheduled ops MON-FRI, 0500-1600 unitl 27October, and again from 30-31Oct.

TKPK/St Kitts All Private pax must process through the YU lounge, not through the main terminal.  Use a handler to get access to the lounge.

ORBB/Baghdad 20 aircraft per hour accepted into Baghdad FIR from TASMI and RATVO.

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.


24AUG: Typhoon Hato, Hurricane Harvey – International Ops Bulletin

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

ZZZZ/Worldwide One of our primary missions at FSB is to monitor the world’s airspace and report on new risks to civil aviation. When enough changes occur, we update our “Unsafe Airspace Summary“ (PDF download). Last week, we published a new summary effective 16AUG2017 – version “INDIA” … Read the article.

KZZZ/USA Operating under Part 119 and performing operations under part 121 and/or part 135 under the jurisdiction of the FAA? If that’s you then you need to know that you can no longer rely on the FAA to provide flight or engineer examiners. There is a requirement for those organisations operating under this rule part to have a training and checking program. It looks like this requirement hasn’t been enforced in the past. That will be changing. Expect your local inspector to be in touch in the next few weeks.

HAZZ/Ethiopia On 21 August, the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress called for a general strike throughout the Oromo region, which surrounds the capital Addis Ababa, for the next five days. Travelers should expect disruptions to business activities throughout the region during the strike.

KASE/Aspen The FAA recently published a letter to airmen outlining a VFR climb procedure at Colorado’s Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) that may enable business aircraft crews to avoid delays following suspension of the “Wrap” departure procedure from ASE’s Runway 33 earlier this year. More from NBAA. While ATC will not ask pilots to depart under VFR climb, crews may request the procedure. More here.

OLZZ/Lebanon On Monday Lebanese military forces announced that they had uncovered a cache of anti-aircraft missiles among other arms caches abandoned by militants in Ras Baalbek. The other weapons include anti-personnel mines, mortars and machine guns. There were no reports indicating that the anti-aircraft weapons were connected to any terror plot; rather, they were likely for battlefield use, given that they were seized along with other weapons.

MMZZ/Mexico The US updated its travel warning for Mexico yesterday, warning about the risk of traveling to certain parts of Mexico due to the activities of criminal organizations in those areas. Travelers been the victims of violent crimes, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery in various Mexican states.

TXKF/Bermuda radar is out of action Thursday 4-10Z, usual advice – operate above FL320, or avoid the airspace. See Notam KZNY A0231/17 for the details.

BIKF/Keflavik Tower continues to have some staffing issues, keep an eye on their Notams the day of your operation, and consider another NAT fuel stop if needed.

LLZZ/Israel National Holiday Sept 18-19. They shut up shop at 1100 on the 18 Sep, and aren’t back at work until over 32 hours later at 1930 on the 19 Sep. First departure won’t be until 2030. It’s an important religious holiday in Israel. This is in addition to the closure for works on 7 Sep from 1500-1955, and the daily closures and block outs of GA aircraft due congestion. If you are planning a stop in Tel Aviv pick your time carefully. The FIR (LLLL) has the same closure on the 18-19 Sep.

MUCF/Cienfuegos will have no tower controller at 26th – 31st Aug, if you need to operate and require ATC, they say a controller can be arranged with 24 hrs notice.

EGAE/Derry is open again after flooding closed the terminal building on Tuesday night.

LPZZ/Portugal All airports – Immigration officers are planning strike action for 24th and 25th, high potential for delays.

FQZZ/Mozambique Visa on arrival is now available as an exception only. If visas are available from your home country they should be applied for prior to travel.

UUZZ/Russia On 21 August, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow announced that U.S. missions across Russia would suspend non-immigrant visa operations starting on 23 August. These operations will resume on 1 September but on a significantly smaller scale. The U.S. cited Russia’s decision to drastically reduce U.S. diplomatic staff in Russia as the reason for the reduction in non-immigrant visa operations. Beginning 1 September, non-immigrant visa interviews will be conducted in Moscow only.

VVZZ/Vietnam There has been a sharp increase in the number of Dengue fever cases from Vietnam. The only form of prevention for Dengue is to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.

DFZZ/Burkina Faso Updated travel advisory, following the recent terrorist attack on a restaurant in the capital Ouagadougou which killed 19. “Avoid non essential travel due threat of terrorism.” Multiple sources.

PLCH/Christmas Island Fuel is listed as available only for scheduled flights until mid-October due to supply issues.

EGMC/Southend Airport closed overnight between 2200-0500 04-08 Sept for all but scheduled flights.

LDPL/Pula Congestion going on, you’ll need PPR until August 27th.  Email them at operations@airport-pula.hr

ZSXX/China Couple of airports here are publishing daily not to file them as an alternate. So check before filing if you are looking to use any of these airports ZGGG, ZGHA, ZHCC, ZSXZ.

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.


10AUG: Is Japanese airspace at risk? New North Korea missile threat to civil aviation – Weekly Ops Bulletin

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

LEBL/Barcelona Security staff at Barcelona airport have announced Industrial action for Fridays, Sundays and Mondays starting from 4th August, with the following time schedule: 0330-0430, 0830-0930, 1430-1530, 1630-1730 UTC.

HAZZ/Ethiopia The government lifted on Aug. 4 a state of emergency that has been in place since last October, AP reported.

DISP/San Pedro, Ivory Coast is closed for two weeks since August 2 to renovate the runway, which is in urgent need of repair, according to Ivorian authorities. The runway has been renovated in the past; however, past repairs were insufficient to prevent the runway from deteriorating to its current state of disrepair.

KZZZ/USA The eclipse is coming! As the moon moves in front of the sun on August 21st, a “path of totality” will develop in portions of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina. This rare event has created intense demand for airport services in these areas, and operators should expect delays to ground support, parking and possibly even approach sequencing to busier airports. NBAA has published some useful guidance for business operators in the US.

DFFD/Ouagadougou is reporting some capacity issues, and would prefer not to be filed as an alternate until August 19th.

EDDK/Cologne is PPR for non-scheduled traffic, apply 72 hours prior to flight: +49 2203 40 4310, flightinfo@cgn.de.

VTBD/Bangkok On August 7th, authorities stated that they were conducting an investigation into Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (VTBD/DMK) following reports that approximately 5,000 passengers were forced to stand in lines for four to five hours at the facility’s immigration checkpoints. The 4 August incident occurred when several delayed flights resulted in increased passenger traffic at the facility. Heightened security measures in place at the airport — resulting in extended immigration screening — exacerbated the security processing delay. Several passengers required medical attention due to poor ventilation in the immigration checkpoint area and lack of available food or water. An airport official stated that the facility would open more immigration counters in response to the incident, which will allow authorities to process at least 1,800 visitors per hour.

YZZZ/Australia Further details have emerged about the foiled attack targeting commercial aviation in Australia, which authorities first revealed on July 30. An Australian Federal Police (AFP) official stated that two Lebanese-Australian nationals plotted to place an improvised explosive device (IED) on an Etihad Airways flight departing Sydney Airport (YSSY/SYD) on 15 July. One of the suspects brought the luggage containing the IED to the airport but then left before reaching the check-in counter. Officials have not yet established why he abandoned the attempt. The man intended to give the luggage to his brother, who boarded the aircraft. Officials stated, however, that the passenger was likely unaware of the contents of the luggage, and therefore have not charged or arrested him. The components used to manufacture the IED, which officials described as a “high-end military-grade explosive,” originated in Turkey and were transported to Australia via air cargo. This development prompted officials to enhance security measures employed to screen cargo aircraft.

LPZZ/Portugal Planned strike action by Portuguese immigration officers on 24 and 25 August 2017 may cause delays entering/exiting.

OTZZ/Qatar It had been reported that Bahrain and UAE authorities had lifted the ban on Qatar registered aircraft using their airspace, but this has been denied by both authorities and the ban still exists. Qatar aircraft have been using airspace above international waters which is managed by GCAA UAE but not airspace above their territory.

KTEB/Teterboro has a new RNAV SID – The Ruudy 6 – effective from August 17th, in response to ATC concerns over pilot deviations – 112 reports filed – on the previous version of the SID.

HSZZ/South Sudan The FAA has extended the warning on South Sudanese airspace for another year. Review the full page at http://safeairspace.net/information/south-sudan/

KZZZ/USA The FAA has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) – operators with aircraft equipped with ADS-B out systems and meeting specific altitude equipment requirements may no longer need to go through the lengthy and challenging RVSM approval process. Comments due by 06SEP. ADS-B will be mandatory in most US Airspace by Jan 2020.

WIHH/Jakarta Halim The Indonesian government has announced it has decided to transfer all Jakarta outbound Hajj flights from Jakarta Halim to Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport effective immediately. A statement issued by the Ministry of Transportation said it had taken the decision after a departing B777 ripped a hole measuring 3x2x0.25m in Halim’s runway on Friday last week. The aircraft was the first of three such flights scheduled to depart from Jakarta Halim during the first day of charters. Repairs to the affected strip took three hours to complete resulting in light delays to other departing flights.

RKSI/Seoul is introducing High Intensity Runway Ops (HIRO) at Incheon, new procedures, review the related AIC here.

VHHH/Hong Kong is now doing the CDM thing (Collaborative Decision Making), so have a read of AIC 12/17 for the details if you’re operating in there and want to know what TOBT and TSAT mean.

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

 


03AUG: New overflight fees Kabul FIR, Venezuela airspace risk – brink of civil war? Weekly Ops Briefing

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

 

RJZZ/Japan The frequency of North Korean missile launches that end with a splashdown in the Fukuoka FIR is of concern. Last weekend, one such missile came close to civil traffic, and this is not the first such event. We are preparing a summary for operators, and would request wider reader input on this. Has your operation/airline/authority made any changes recently to operations in the western portion of the Fukuoka FIR in Japan? Talk to us at bulletin@fsbureau.org.

BGSF/Sondrestrom For NAT Ops on Sunday August 27th, note that BSGF/Sondrestrom will be closed to all traffic, as they are upgrading infrastructure. Sundays in Greenland see most airports closed in any case, but the option of paying $1000 or so to have them open for you is normally there. On this date,  BGSF won’t be, which may affect your diversion options. They do say that if there’s an emergency, call them on +299 52 42 27 to determine availability.

RJZZ/Japan As of 1800 local time (0900 UTC) on August 3, Typhoon Noru was located approximately 350nm east-northeast of Kadena Air Force Base, Japan, and was moving in a northwesterly direction at a speed of approximately 8 knots. At that point, Noru was posting maximum sustained winds of 80 knots with gusts up to 105 knots. Noru is expected to make landfall after 48 hours in southern Japan. Southern parts of South Korea, including the port city of Busan, will also likely experience torrential rainfall, which could trigger flooding and landslides.

LFLL/Lyon has some fuel supply issues ongoing, advising tankering where possible.

FAZZ/South Africa The U.S. Mission to South Africa advises travellers to exercise caution when arranging ground transportation from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to hotels, guest houses, and residences. Numerous U.S. citizens and other travellers have been robbed at gun point while traveling from the Airport to their place of lodging in what are known as ‘follow home’ robberies. In some instances, U.S. citizens have been injured or shot at during these robberies.

RPLL/Manila Increasing levels of reports of laser lights within 10nm of the airport. [more in Aireport]

ZYHB/Taiping No overnight parking for Business or General Aviation due to parking until 30SEP. [more in Aireport]

SPIM/Lima Volcano eruptions from Mount Sabancaya continue to create airspace warnings up to FL250.

FOOL/Libreville Will be closed overnight 2300-0900Z until August 12th. [more in Aireport]

LIZZ/Italy Baggage handlers at Milan’s Malpensa Airport (LIMC/MXP) and Linate Airport (LIML/LIN) staged a last-minute strike on August 1. The handlers apparently warned the airport operator the day prior, although airport officials claim they did not know ahead of time. The strike caused significant delays for passengers.

UMMS/Minsk, Belarus Will be closed for runway maintenance at various times overnight until the end of August.

LGGG/Athens FIR Strike action planned for Air Traffic Safety Personnel (ATSEP) until 05Aug. Emergency frequencies will remain uninterrupted, although the authorities advise caution as “problems to systems may arise affecting communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) services” during this period. Probably not too much effect.

LTBA/Istanbul Ataturk The airport is balancing “Supply and Demand.”  Here’s the rundown:
– New seasonal charter and cargo flights to land will not be accepted.
– Technical landings and diversions will not be accepted (unless you’re stationed there).
– Business flights are allowed, as long as the hourly flight limits haven’t been exceeded.
– Flights for MX are allowed to LTBA, but you’ll need to get your slot well in advance.
– Make sure you have a valid slot, they’ll reject your plan if not.
– If you have a permit prior to 24JUL, you’ll be accepted. [more in Aireport]

EETN/Tallinn PPR required for all parking needs over 3 hours. Get in contact at ad.apron.control@tll.aero until the end of August. [more in Aireport]

KZZZ/United States The TSA has announced that travelers will be required to separate more electronic devices from their carry-on baggage when passing through security screening points at U.S. airports. Currently, travelers are only required to take out laptop computers from their carry-on luggage for separate screening; under the new regulations, all devices larger than a mobile phone — including tablets and e-readers — will need to be placed in their own bins to be screened separately. The regulations are already in effect as part of a pilot program at 10 U.S. airports and are expected to be rolled out to facilities across the country in the coming months. The enhanced measures will not affect travelers who are enrolled in pre-check security programs.

FOZZ/Gabon New phone numbers for ANAC- +241 1 44 56 54, and +241 1 44 56 58.

ZKZZ/North Korea On August 2, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert for North Korea, which reads in part as follows: “The Secretary of State published a Notice on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 that will restrict the use of U.S. passports to travel into, in, or through North Korea/the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), effective Friday, September 1, 2017. The Secretary has authorized the restriction due to the serious and mounting risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. citizens under North Korea’s system of law enforcement. Persons who wish to travel to North Korea on a U.S. passport must obtain a special passport validation under 22 C.F.R. 51.64, and such validations will be granted only under very limited circumstances. The Department of State will publish information on how to apply for a passport with a special validation on travel.state.gov when OMB approval is effective. Persons currently in North Korea on a U.S. passport should depart North Korea before the travel restriction enters into effect on Friday, September 1, 2017”

EISN/Shannon FIR The introduction of direct routings in the lower FIR was planned for 14SEP but has been delayed to 12OCT (maybe longer).

YZZZ/Australia Security procedures at Australian airports have been tightened, with pictures of huge lineups in the media. This follows a foiled attack plot last week. Sydney is the largest delay location.

 

 

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

 


28JUL: B747 missile pics, Danger at Bucharest, Venezuela Warning – Weekly Ops Briefing

Weekly International Ops Bulletin published by FSB for OPSGROUP covering critical changes to Airports, Airspace, ATC, Weather, Safety, Threats, Procedures, Visas. Subscribe to the short free version here, or join thousands of your Pilot/Dispatcher/ATC/CAA/Flight Ops colleagues in OPSGROUP for the full weekly bulletin, airspace warnings, Ops guides, tools, maps, group discussion, Ask-us-Anything, and a ton more! Curious? See what you get. Rated 5 stars by 125 reviews.

 

747 Cockpit pics: unannounced missile launch

28JUL ZKZZ/North Korea Another ballistic missile was fired by North Korea today, landing in Japanese waters. Earlier this week, a B747 crew enroute to Baku captured a series of images of an unannounced missile launch close to their aircraft, over China. Read the article.

26R at Bucharest is SHORT! 2 aircraft have now over-run

28JUL LROP/Bucharest Runway 26R is shortened by about 1250m/4000 feet, and on Tuesday a Ryanair 737 became the second aircraft to run off the end in a couple of weeks: on June 22, a Turkish A321 did the same thing. Word on the street is that there isn’t much in the Notams to remind you of this. Read the article.

SVZZ/Venezuela The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel warning for Venezuela, warning against travel due to social unrest, violent crime, and pervasive food and medicine shortages. On July 27, the Department ordered the departure of family members and authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. government employees from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. For flight ops to Venezuela, it’s highly recommended to avoid tech stops or unnecessary visits to any SV** locations.

RCZZ/Taiwan The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has granted visa-exempt status to nationals of 11 Latin American countries. Effective immediately, nationals of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua and Paraguay are granted visa-exempt stays of up to 90 days while nationals of Belize, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Christopher and Nevis, and Saint Lucia are granted visa-exempt stays of up to 30 days.

EGCC/Manchester Night ops into Manchester? Carry extra holding fuel due WIP until August 17. [more in Aireport]

FEFF/Bangui has had a few interruptions to ATC service due to power cuts – not the only issue in Bangui, but another reason to think twice about travel to the Central African Republic.

OEZZ/Saudi Arabia On 27 July, Saudi air defences shot down a Houthi ballistic missile in the sky over Taif. Reports indicate that the Yemeni-based Houthi rebels fired the missile from northern Yemen; however, the precise target is unclear. The interception did not result in any casualties or damage on the ground.

VTBB/Bangkok Extra holding fuel into Bangkok is recommended for the monsoon season until end of October.

HCSM/Mogadishu FIR HF is unreliable. Here are the alternate contact details, if you do insist on flying through their FIR (and we think you shouldn’t): SATCOM INMARSAT 466601. ATC/FIC Telephone: +254202365679, +254207622774, +254207626028 or +254202445632.

UUZZ/Russia Volcanic activity advisory ongoing for the Sheveluch volcano (56 38 N 161 19E) on the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.

OPKC/Karachi The United States Consulate General in Karachi has resumed the movement of U.S. government personnel traveling to and from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi (KHI). Local security forces have increased security measures at the airport and in the city of Karachi. Movement of U.S. government personnel within Pakistan remains severely restricted due to the overall security environment. The consulate general canceled all travel of U.S. government personnel to and from the airport on 25 July, citing an elevated threat of violence “at or near this location.” The consulate general did not release further details on the nature of the threat.

EDDK/Cologne Don’t use this as an alternate overnight – at their request – that is, from 2000Z-0400Z. [more in Aireport]

LFMP/Perpignan Air show on, check for arrival slot and parking availability if you’re planning to use it between 28-30 July.

LDZZ/Croatia Several hundred taxi drivers are staging protests throughout Croatia on 28 July against the ride-sharing service Uber. Reports indicate that the protests have disrupted traffic in Dubrovnik, as well as around the airports in Split and Zagreb. Thus far there have been no reports of associated violence.

LHDC/Debrecen Limited hours of service, 48 hrs prior notice required if intending to use outside normal hours of service until end of July.

MMMX/Mexico City They’re planning on building a new airport near Mexico City. The outlines of the runway have already been painted onto the surface of a dry lake in the exact position it will be built, including full markings. These are all clearly visible when departing from the existing Mexico City Airport (MMMX) RWY 05 and approaching on RWY 23. These painted lake bed surfaces are not intended for use as a runway!

LGAV/Athens Prior permission required – contact ASOC@AIA.GR 24 hours before arrival. [more in Aireport]

CYYZ/Toronto Pearson Ground crew workers launched a strike on 27 July over a labor dispute with their employer, Swissport. Reports indicate that approximately 700 workers — including baggage handlers, cargo handlers and cabin cleaners – are participating in the strike. Swissport serves 30 airlines at Pearson.

KZZZ/USA Qualifying citizens of India are now eligible to apply for Global Entry membership. Applicants who meet program requirements and pass a background check can benefit from expedited entry to the United States at designated airports.

UBBB/Baku If you’re headed down Baku way – be aware that they are pretty much out of fuel. Check latest.

EYVI/Vilnius is closed from 14 July – 17 August due to the reconstruction of the runway. The most suitable alternate is EYKA/Kaunas, but also consider EYSA, EYPA, EVLA, EVRA.

MMPR/Puerto Vallarta has overnight closures at present, check Notams.

CYFB/Frobisher Bay has multiple closures and restrictions on going, check before using this as your NAT enroute alternate or tech stop.

FAOR/Johannesburg Another robbery occured on July 8 in a process that is becoming common here: Armed robbers followed a couple from the terminal and forced the victims to stop their vehicle in Centurion, on the corner of Rietvlei Dam Street and Delmas Road, and proceeded to steal belongings. The victims were not injured.

ENGM/Oslo From July 17-August 2, if you’re bringing your 777, 787, 330, or other Code E or larger aircraft to Oslo, plan on not getting fuel there, due to work on fuel pits and pipes – carry onwards fuel.

 

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