26OCT2015 In around two weeks time, significant changes will occur to the design and structure of North Atlantic Tracks (NAT OTS), which have existed in their current lateral structure since the OTS introduction in 1965. The key changes are: a reduction in separation to ‘half-track’ compared to the existing structure, introduction of 24 new Oceanic Entry Points (OEP’s), and a new requirement for RNP4. A special briefing on these changes is below.

26OCT2015 With effect from yesterday, almost all Ukrainian and Russian airlines are barred from each others airports and airspace. Ukraine issued a sanctions list in September barring all except one Russian airline from operating, and in return Russia banned the three Ukrainian airlines from operating to Russia. GA, Business Aviation, and non-scheduled flights are not affected.

EGPX/Scottish FIR High delays this morning 26OCT in Scottish airspace due to ATC radio system failure. EGPF/Edinburgh airport departures were suspended, now resumed, with enroute traffic rerouted to avoid Antrim, Galloway, Tay, and Talla sectors. Situation is slowly improving but potential for afternoon delays exists.

KORD/Chicago O’Hare There will be a TFR in effect for Oct 27 and Oct 28 due to VIP movement. Please see NOTAM 5/1931 for further details.

MMXX/Mexico The impact of Hurricane Patricia was less than feared. MMPR/Puerto Vallarta Airport, MMZH/Ixtapa, and MMZO/Manzanillo have all reopened and are operating normally.

KXXX/USA Current runway closures: BWI-RWY 10/28 CLOSED, IAD-RWY 01R/19L CLOSED, DTW-RWY 03R/21L 09L/27R CLOSED, SEA-RWY 16C/34C CLOSED

NAT/North Atlantic ASD15 Exercise Trident Juncture (At Sea Demonstration) military exercise until 31OCT. The designated firing areas incorporate elements of Scottish FIR/UIR, Shanwick and Reykjavik FIR as well as notified UK Danger areas. Flight planning restrictions will be applied affecting NAT Traffic on northerly routes, monitor NOTAMs.

South Pacific Tropical Cyclone Season 2015-16 begins on 01NOV. Tropical cyclone warnings in the South Pacific region, please consult the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Fiji’s regional meteorological center responsible for tropical cyclone warnings in the South Pacific region, or Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology.

View the full International Ops Bulletin for 26OCT2015.

19OCT2015 Flight operations in the NAT region will see significant changes in around three weeks time, including new ‘half-degree’ NAT tracks, new Entry Points in Gander and Shanwick OCA’s, and several procedural changes. A Special Bulletin with plotting chart, summarising the changes, will be issued by Flight Service Bureau next week.

19OCT2015 Last week 26 cruise missiles were launched across International air routes in Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Iran, with reports suggesting 4 did not travel as intended. The risk to aircraft operators is summarised in our International Ops Notice 10/15, see below for details.

RPHI/Manilla FIR, Philippines Typhoon Koppu has maintained its strength as it continues to move northward with slightly increasing forward speed along the shores of Ilocos Sur, Luzon. Current location (1200Z Monday) is to the west of RPLI/Laoag Airport. It is forecast to weaken to a Tropical Storm within 24 hours. No reports of airports affected so far.

OMDW/Dubai World hosts Dubai Airshow 08-12NOV. Landing Permit required for all flights, 3 days processing, standard documents and requirements. Slot required for OMDW, window +/- 5mins. Show details at www.dubaiairshow.aero

OPRN/Islamabad, Pakistan closed 1300-1800 daily due runway works 18-28OCT.

SEXX/Ecuador A new DGAC resolution now effective permits non-scheduled aircraft to land without a Landing Permit as long as the aircraft is operating under private ops, will not stay longer than 72 hours in Ecuador, and visits only one location in Ecuador. The official document is here (in Spanish).

VHHH/Hong Kong with effect 25OCT (IATA Winter 2015) will amend slot issuing procedures to give priority to operators with higher capacity aircraft, and where same types conflict for the same slot time, lower noise levels.

LIXX/Italy ATC Strike confirmed for 24OCT (Saturday) 0800-1600, service will be provided to Overflights and Intercontinental flights only.

LTXX/Turkey Traffic operating through the south eastern part of Turkish airspace to/from Tehran and Baghdad FIRs should check Notams for restrictions. Several restrictions up to FL310 due to military operations.

EGXX/Shanwick Large scale Military Exercise ‘At Sea Demonstration’ ASD15 affecting OEP’s ERAKA and GOMUP starts on 19OCT.

LFxx/France Datalink implemented from 22OCT LFRR/Brest and LFBB/Bordeaux ACC from 0900L. Initial phase, no ACL (Clearance via CPDLC), and aircraft must be on Eurocontrol whitelist. Ref France AIC A22/15.

VNXX/Nepal continues to experience shortages of fuel due to a halt in shipments coming from India. Available fuel for domestic airlines is rapidly decreasing, and authorities worry that domestic flights will soon be unavailable. The Nepalese government has requested that international airlines carry return fuel or refuel at airports en route, as Tribhuvan International Airport (VNKT/KTM) has no available fuel.

View the full International Ops Bulletin for 19OCT2015.

Iraq: Ban list extended Oct 1st: The list of aircraft banned from operating in Iraqi airspace now included the following: B737-200, B727-1 and -200, Antonov 12, 24, and 26, and the Tupolev 154. Recently, Russia also moved to end the commercial flying career of the smaller Tu-134 by 2012, as a result of safety concerns about the aircraft. Iraq has also a published list including 30 countries that must undergo more rigorous checks before being approved to fly within the Baghdad FIR.

US Restrictions

KPHX-RWY 7R/25L CLSD UNTIL 2200
KBOS-RWY 15R/33L CLSD UNTIL 11/30
KCLT-RWY 5/23 CLSD UNTIL 10/6; RWY 18C/36C CLSD UNTIL 11/15
KMDW-RWY 13L/31R CLSD UNTIL 10/28
KDEN-RWY 8/26 CLSD UNTIL 10/12

KZNY/New York ACC ZNY-OCEANA (QVC) RADAR OTS 15-19Z, SEE ATCSCC ADVZY 018

LFTZ/St. Tropez, France No arrivals permitted Thursday 6th 1240-1530 due to Airport meetings. See NOTAMs.

LGGG/Greece FIR Staffing problems continue. Wednesday 5th strike affects all Greek airports – overflights OK. Thursday outlook is good with 5 sectors operating for LGGG FIR and 3 for LGMD. Minor delays only in Rodos sector from 0600Z. LGZA, LGSA arrivals may be regulated.

LLBG/Tel Aviv Ben Gurion and LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR closed on 07 and 08 Oct for public holiday. Israel Airspace closed 07 OCT 11Z – 08 OCT 18Z. Airport same closure time, first arrival 1930Z, first departure 2030Z on the 8th Oct.

MHTG/Cenamer FIR – Central America Upper Airspace Introducing RNAV5 routes in Nov 17th. 14 new routes will be established. Equipped aircraft should show “R” and “Z” in Field 10, with Field 18 showing NAVI/B1 with B1-B6 showing the type of equipement on board.

FACA/South Africa CAMU (Flow Control) web access undergoing software upgrade 05 Oct 18Z – 00Z, interruption to service likely.

Australia No Delays at primary airports, ops normal.

HDTC/Dar es Salaam, Tanzania The minimum altitude for the arrival routes ETKOP1 (ETKOP-LOSIN) and EVATO 1A have been raised from 10,000 ft to 12,000 ft with effect from October 4th. This info may not appear in NOTAMs.

Flight Planning: Eurocontrol. If you’ve been trying to plan a flight across the EYVL/Vilnius FIR, Lithuania – you will have received an error message that prevents the plan being filed. See this note: VALIDITY FROM : WIE UNTIL 20/10/2011. BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM IN CFMU DATABASE WITH THE DEFINITION OF EYVL UIR, FPLS VIA UL732, UL736, UM870, UM983, UN994 RAISE AN RVSM ENTRY/EXIT CONDITION ERROR. FPLS WILL BE MANUALLY ACCEPTED BY THE IFPS STAFF. THE SYSTEM WILL AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDE THE COMMENT – THIS FPL DOES NOT COMPLY WITH EUR RVSM REQUIREMENT – IN THE ACK MESSAGE AND INSERT IFP/RVSMVIOLATION IN FIELD 18 OF THE FPL, EVEN THOUGH THE FPL IS RVSM COMPLIANT. THE PROBLEM IS FIXED FOR AIRAC 1111.

ORBB/Baghdad FIR Baghdad Control is now responsible for Balad APP – frequency 128.2

SPIM/Lima, Peru Struggling with Airport capacity. A variety of significant restrictions for General Aviation, Non Scheduled, and Cargo flights go into effect Oct 4th. Check carefully with your handler or dispatcher as all movements should be co-ordinated at least 24 hrs in advance from now on.

TTZP/Piarco FIR HF Remains out of service, with all contact through New York Radio instead.

Marisa Brook writes: ” For a tropical island, Clipperton doesn’t have very much going for it. The tiny, ring-shaped atoll lying 1,000 kilometres off the southwest coast of Mexico is covered in hard, pointy coral and a prodigious number of nasty little crabs. The wet season from May to October brings incessant and torrential rain, and for the rest of the year the island reeks of ammonia. The Pacific Ocean batters the island from all sides, picking away at the scab of land that rises abruptly from the seabed. A few coconut palms are virtually the only thing that the island boasts in the way of vegetation. Oh, and the sea all around is full of sharks. It isn’t much of a surprise that Clipperton Island is decidedly uninhabited.”

It’s definitely an interesting place. The history surrounding its Air Traffic Control, is equally intriguing.

In 1967, according to an entry on Wikipedia, the Soviet Union launched a takeover bid for their airspace – the Clipperton Flight Information Region.

There are two anomalies here. First, the ratio between the island itself, and the airspace that is owns, is huge. Clipperton Island is 6 km2. The airspace is 1.8 million square kilometres.

Second, Clipperton Island lies – only just – outside the Clipperton FIR. In 1937, when a Radio Service was first provided here, the island was the closest to the chunk of airspace that it served, giving the airspace its name.

Business was good, for a while – Clipperton Oceanic provided a Flight Information and Weather service on HF to aircraft crossing the Pacific Routes. But, according to the (brief) “History of Clipperton Oceanic“, written by P.G. Welkins in 1971, :

"Operations at Clipperton Oceanic ended in 1958, as the HF service
offered by Tahiti Radio was seen as sufficient, and funding
provided by American, French, and British governments was
stopped. AFTN circuits were disconnected, and the ICAO code NPCX
assigned to Clipperton Flight Information Region was withdrawn
from use. Staff at the Oceanic Facility were reassigned to Birdlip,
in the UK – later to become Shanwick Aeradio."

Welkins also records the last transmission from the operators at Clipperton in 1958:

And there ends the aviation history of Clipperton Oceanic.

The island itself, though – has more to tell. It’s actually named after an English Pirate, John Clipperton – who in his activities attacking Spanish targets on the west coast of the Americas, used Clipperton Island as a base from which to stage his attacks and store loot and supplies, fortifying Clipperton Rock and expanding its cave network. That was just the start of a long and interesting history – for which it is well worth reading Marisa’s article in full.

Radio Officer Emily Foxall at the Clipperton OCA Radio Service, 1948 Source: http://dca.clipperton-gov.co/

08OCT2014: Typhoon Vongfong is making its way toward the U.S Northern Northern Mariana islands of Guam, Rota, Saipan, and Tinian. Typhoon Vongfong notably increased in strength between 0300 and 0900 UTC on 07OCT, north of Yap and had maximum sustained winds of 120 Kts and gusts of 145 kts. Vongfong is expected to reach Super Typhoon status within 24 hours. Meteorologists forecast it will continue moving west-northwest for 36-48hs and then turn north and begin to weaken. There are currently no NOTAMs detailing any closures or restrictions. Tropical Storm Simon is currently off the West coast of Mexico and is continuing to weaken as it makes its way towards landfall. It is not affecting operations.

08OCT2014: Hajj 2014 Routes and temporary regulations have been implemented ahead of the 2014 Hajj season. All flights originating from West and Central West Africa have a set of dedicated routes. Operators must advise the following FIR’s a minimum of 10 days in advance of the intended operations and include full aircraft details, schedule, and RVSM approval status: Algiers, Accra, Brazzaville, Dakar, Jeddah, Kano, Khartoum, N’Djamena, Niamey, Roberts, and Tripoli. For a full list of requirements and route details please refer to the AIP Supplement.

Exxx/Europe The deadline set by the European Commission for operators to be ADS-B compliant has been delayed until June 8th, 2016 for new aircraft and June 7th, 2020 for aircraft being retrofitted.

UKFV/Yevpatoria Center has published a new list of route closures extending till the 30th of December, a geographical representation of the closures can be found here.

BGGL/Sondrestrom FIR has published new addresses for the Rescue Coordination Center (AFTN BGGHYCYX, Email:rcc@naviair.dk, Telephone/Fax +299363318/+299363319), Communications Center (AFTN BGGHYFYX, Telephone +29936330428), and Flight Information Center (email fic@navair.dk, Telephone/FX +299363304/+299363309)

HECC/Cairo advises that all flight plans must be submitted in the proper format as outlined in the AIP no later than 150 mins prior to estimated time of block and no earlier than 24 hrs prior to estimated time of block.

SBGR/Sao Paulo General aviation and airlines preforming cargo charter or cargo operations must inform airport officials (+551124454313) prior to operation who the handling company will be and intended time on the ground. Aircraft falling into category A-B must advise at least 6 hrs in advance, aircraft falling into category C-E at least 24 hrs in advance, until the 15th of Dec.

MYEM/Governors Harbour has no JET-A or AVGAS available until the 30DEC.

MMSD/Los Cabos will only be open for government and humanitarian flights from 1300-2359 until 08OCT; may continue.

Mexico CAA reminds operators to carefully review that their flight plan complies with active airways, NOTAMS, and military exclusion zones before filing. Failure to do so will result in the flight plan being rejected.

URSS/Sochi Ahead of the 2014 Russian Grand Prix the airport advises that operators planning on flying into Sochi from the 6th of Oct until the 16th of Oct will require to obtain an arrival and departure slot from the airport authority. Cargo operators will have disclose the full details of the cargo contents to secure a slot. Any operator in excess of 30 mins either prior to ETA or after ETD will require a new slot, failure to do so will result in a fine. Parking limitations will also be imposed during this time, aircraft with an MTOW of 35-70 tons are allowed to park for a maximum of 30 mins, all heavier aircraft are allowed up to 2 hrs.

DNMA/Maiduguri is now closed to all civil air traffic due to the increased security concerns.

West Africa/Ebola Update. Advice is against all non-essential travel due to the outbreak of the Ebola virus. Efforts to contain the outbreak are resulting in critical commercial and transportation disruptions in all three countries. Cameroon Officials have closed all borders with Nigeria and suspended all passenger flights to/from Nigeria due to the ongoing Ebola virus outbreak. Cape Verde Through 21 November, officials are prohibiting entry of any foreign non-resident who has visited any country affected by the hemorrhagic fever caused by the Ebola virus in the last 30 days. Cote d’Ivoire Commercial airliners are prohibited from carrying passengers from Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria to Cote d’Ivoire due to the Ebola virus outbreak. All passengers will have their temperature checked upon arrival from any destination. Senegal Departures and arrivals from Senegal to Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone are prohibited due to the Ebola virus outbreak.

Tripoli Airport Destruction 24JUL Since fighting began over a week ago, some reports indicate that 80-90% of the aircraft currently parked at the airport have been damaged. Libyan authorities have indicated that repairs to the airport and ATC infrastructure will take months to repair.

Israel Uncertainty Continues 24JUL – Operations to LLBG/Tel Aviv and Israel in general continue to be fluid. A rocket strike some days ago landed within a few miles of the airport; airlines responded by suspending services. The operational risk needs to be closely monitored.

HLLL/Libya According to our latest information, the only International airports that are currently open within Libya are HLLQ and HLTQ between 0700Z-1900Z. If permission is given to operate into these airports there are mandatory routings to follow.

LIML/Milan The airport will be closed daily between 2130-0400z from 21-31JUL.

EGFF/Cardiff All non scheduled traffic requires prior notice from 02-06SEP. Operators must contact Airport Coordination Limited at manchester@acl-uk.org or at +441614911850.

VABB/Mumbai In attempt to reduce airspace congestion and arrival delays within the Mumbai TMA, ATC will only accept flights with pre approved arrival slots between 1545Z-1745Z for flights originating within India.

ZSHA/Shanghai FIR Typhoon Matma is making its way towards mainland China after Taiwan. Delays and reroutes can be expected and those planning to operate within this area are advised to check daily notams for the latest reroutes.

LLOV/Ovda Cargo operations have been suspended until the end of July; only passenger flights will be accepted.

URKK/Krasnodar has new runway open from today 24JUL, 05/23 Center. The previous runway 05R/23L is closed.

Singapore There are new permit regulations in practice that apply to charter and air ambulance operations. Operators are now required to apply for a “Operations Permit” and “Air Transport Permit” before they will be given arrival slots. An Operations Permit must first be obtained before an Air Transport Permit can be granted, and this replaces the requirement for a landing permit. These new regulations do not apply to aircraft planning a tech stop within Singapore.

India says within the next 6 months nationals of 40 countries will be able to obtain an E-Visa that will be accepted at 9 airports. A list of nationalities and airports will be published soon.

Libya airspace closed 18JUL Since 14JUL international overflights are not permitted over Libya due to security concerns raised since the rocket attack on Tripoli last week. Only a small number of airports remain open in the country, see below.

MAS17: Ukraine Special Report 18JUL – Following the tragic loss of MAS17, authorities have been quick to close portions of Ukrainian airspace and provide re-routing options. See below for a special briefing; a PDF is also available.

HLLL/Tripoli FIR Effective 14JUL no international overflights are permitted over Libya due to security concerns. All international flights departing to/from any airport within Libya will require prior permission. Applications should be made via email at naser.mohamed@caa.ly, fax +218213618075, or via AFTN: HLLTYAYA. If permission is given there are now mandatory routings to and from HLLQ and HLTQ. HLLB, HLLT, and HLLS are closed UFN.

LCCC/Nicosia FIR Due to the large increase in military activity within this FIR, delays can be expected UFN for all flights destined to OLBA and LLBG. OLBA departures flying to/via Egypt exiting Cyprus airspace over LAKTO or PASOS are restricted at the rate of 1 departure every 25 minutes.

UKxx/Ukraine FIR’s There are two distinct areas at issue in the Ukraine. Simferopol FIR is closed to international traffic since 03APR due to a dispute between authorities over control. Dnipropetrovsk FIR has had the eastern half closed by the Ukrainian CAA on 18JUL following the shootdown of MAS17. Most operators are avoiding the entire FIR. The remainder of the Ukraine FIR’s are open (L’viv, Kiev, Odessa) with overflight risk minimal, but many operators avoiding entire country. Heaviest Traffic flows are via G724 (North) and UL852 and UP975 (South). Russia will accept reroutes by FPL for an interim period without permit required. Recommend check with ATC Duty Manager +7 495 601 0776. Turkey requires a permit for all overflights. Russia reports no capacity issues in Rostov FIR due to additional traffic to the east of Ukraine. We recommend to monitor Eurocontrol NOP Portal for current information.

LLLL/Israel FIR Due to the ongoing conflict in the region J5, J10S, and J9 have been closed and all aircraft are being diverted along other airways within LLLL FIR. There have also been mandatory adjustments made made to all STARS and SIDS into LLBG.

FOON/M’vengue, Gabon – JetA1 fuel will not be available from until September earliest.

SAEF/Ezeiza ACC until 05AUG at 0500z, flow control will only be accepting 1 aircraft every 10 minutes regardless of the entry point. Humanitarian, state, and international flights with more than 2 hrs flight time are exempted.

OAKX/Kabul ACC- ATC has advised that all aircraft entering Kabul FIR at or below FL290 from the west between SOKAM on V338 and RANAH on V838 , must now contact Kabul ACC on 121.725.

OMAE/Emirates FIR Starting 16 JUL until 16 OCT all aircraft departing from OMAA, OMAD, OMAL, OMAM, OMDB, OMDW, OMRK, and OMSJ will require a departure slot time between 0430-0730 and 1500-2359

DNMA/Maiduguri will be closed to all civil air traffic until September earliest due to security concerns.

EGNT/Newcastle Due to the Sunderland Airshow all aircraft require prior permission from 25JUL/1100z until 28 JUL/1100z.

VYYY/Myanmar A live fire drill exercise will be taking place on July 24th between 0730-0815Z which will close the airport.

South Africa Starting October 1st 2014, new visa regulations will require all parents or guardians accompanying children to carry an unabridged birth certificate and passport. This applies to all tourists.

Hong Kong – In attempt to improve the local noise environment the Civil Aviation Department will be implementing the termination of slot allocations for aircraft that fall into the category of “Marginally Compliant Chapter 3” (MCC3). Aircraft that generally fall into this category are B727, B737-100, B737-200, B747-100, B747-200, B747-300, and DC10’s. Slots for Winter 2014 will not be given between the hours of 2300-1459z for aircraft that fall into this category.

Mexico The DGAC has revised the restrictions that were imposed in April on non-revenue business flights. Under the previous regulation any aircraft placed in a charter management company structure were prevented from operating privately in Mexico. Under the revised regulation, which is retroactive to 03JUN, U.S. and foreign-based operators flying aircraft on a charter certificate but conducting private, non-revenue operations to Mexico have been given a reprieve from cabotage rules.

First 2014 Atlantic storm 02JUL Tropical Storm Arthur, which may become a hurricane by 04JUL, is the first of the 2014 Atlantic Storm season, and is tracking north east along the coast of Florida. FAA Telcon today at 1230Z.

Peru Airspace Changes 02JUL Peru will introduce significant changes to the airspace configuration and ATS route structure in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Pucallpa on 24JUL. AIP Amdt 18/14.

Kxxx/USA Tropical storm Arthur lies off the coast of Florida this morning, with sustained winds of 40 knots and a tracking speed of 2-3 knots. Forecasters are suggesting it has the potential to become a hurricane with landfall in the Carolinas. An FAA Telcon is running at 1230Z and 2200Z today, phone +1 540-359-3200 PIN 2333#.

The holy month of Ramadan started on 29JUN, affecting operations to and over all Islamic countries where CAA’s will be working reduced hours. The period moves forward by a couple of weeks each year. This year it will run until 27JUL.

PKMJ/Majuro ExxonMobil will be unable to fuel during their monthly tanker replenishment from 29JUN-02JUL. An alternative Pacific fuel stop is recommended during this period.

LIRP/Pisa, Italy had a radar failure on the morning of 02JUL, traffic is regulated until late afternoon, with moderate delays.

EINN/Shannon will be closed on the night of 04JUL until 1am local for a charity event. During this period consider EIDW/Dublin as an alternative for North Atlantic alternates.

EFTU/Turku, Finland is temporarily shut down from 30JUN-27JUL 2014 for a four-week renovation process. The renovations include the airport’s terminal facilities and traffic areas. Four new aircraft parking spaces will be built as well.

UUDD/Domodedovo Due to Airport reconstruction heavy aircraft types are not permitted to operate during the period 27JUN-30SEP; specific exclusions are: B747, B757, B767, B777, B787, A310, A330, A340, A380, AN124, IL96, TU204, and TU214.

UMMS/Minsk 2- The airport will be closed from 1810-1830z from 01JUL-03JUL, 2110-0120Z on 04JUL, and 2110-0200Z on 11,18, and 25JUL.

DIAP/Port Bouet is closed to all traffic from 0230-0800Z on 02, 03, 04, and 06 JUL.

FAWW/Sodwana The airport will be completely closed from 12JUN-08SEP

FMMO/Maintirano Jet A1 will not be available from 14JUN-14SEP, due to upgrades taking place at the fuel facility.

VMMC/Macau – The airport will be closed on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2000-2200 from 29JUN-28SEPT.

YPXM/Christmas Island will now be closed 2300-1100z 05JUL-07JUL, and 08JUL-10JUL

NVVV/Port Vila Until 10JUL, Jet A1 will not be available here to non scheduled flights.

MYEM/Governors Harbour has no fuel available until 30SEP

Gambia From 06JUN until 07SEP the issuing of overflight and landing permits at GBYD (Banjul International), will be handled by the department of Flight Safety Standards (DFSS).

United States Independence Day is celebrated on 04JUL and as such all public offices will be closed.

Australia The full procedures for the upcoming G20 conference in November have been published. The event is scheduled in Brisbane between 15-16NOV2014 , although special operating procedures will take place from November 11-18NOV2014. All the details are outlined in their latest AIP Supplement H62/14.

Possible Belgium ATC Strike 25JUN A decision is expected by 1000Z today on possible Industrial Action in Belgium. If it goes ahead, it will start at 1500Z with sporadic work stoppages rather than a blanket closure.

France Strike: High Delays 25JUN Wednesday will see extensive delays again through French Airspace, with over 300,000 delay minutes already showing in the slot system. Re-route options are published though these will also be subject to CTOT delay. Further below.

LFXX/France The strike is continuing as planned, and although Union negotiation is taking place, there is no indication that it will not continue for the full 6 days originally forecast. For tactical information and re-route suggestions, use the Eurocontrol NOP. A teleconference will take place this afternoon European time at 1100Z. Dial-in number: +32 2 401 54 26. Participant PIN code: 38557308#.

EGCC/Manchester and EGLL/London Heathrow are not available as alternates during the period of the French strike.

NTAA/Tahiti is renewing the runway from mid July to beginning of January 2015 and specific opening hours will apply from this point onwards. Direct arrival in Bora Bora or any other island is possible with an advance notice of 21 days.

TNCA/Aruba will be closed daily until 1100Z until 01JUL.

EINN/Shannon Airport will be closed on the night of 04JUL from 2145-0100Z due to the main runway being used for a charity event. Operators using EINN as a North Atlantic alternate should consider EIDW/Dublin instead during this period.

FMEE/Reunion Island Volcano Piton La Fournaise on Reunion Island has erupted although there is currently no ash plume reported.

DIAP/Abidjan The airports’ only runway will be closed 24-29JUN from 0230-0800Z.

DAAA/Algiers Area Control Centre has a new combined telephone and fax number from 24JUN: + 213 23 90 76 10.

FEFF/Bangui, Central African Republic extends Jet A1 unavailability until end of July.

HDAM/Djibouti has their Independence Day on 27JUN. No traffic is permitted to operate overnight, until 1000Z.

HSSJ/Juba has advised that runway maintenance will begin at 1300Z each day 01JUL, closing the main runway.

MZBZ/Belize is taking their SSR radar off the air for the month of July, meaning a procedural only approach control service and likely delays during high traffic periods.

French Polynesia effective 25JUN new phone numbers are in place for Tahiti and all French Polynesia islands. Mobile numbers have an “87” added after the country code, land line numbers have a “40”.

Iraq concerns grow 17JUN ORBM/Mosul is closed, but other airports remain open. Heavy fighting near Baghdad this morning gives concern to Ops into ORBI/Baghdad Int’l. Overflights unaffected. Further briefing below.

Monsoon rains affecting Manila FIR 17JUN Daily reroutes are in effect within RPHI/Manila FIR due to heavy monsoon rain and storms. Multiple routes are tactically reroutes on a daily basis.

ORBB/Baghdad FIR. The situation in Iraq is escalating quickly. As of 17JUN, all airports remain open except ORBM/Mosul, but security concerns at all airports are high and ops should be carefully assessed. Reports of an attack on ORBI/Baghdad on 16JUN were deemed false but the risk remains high. Overflights are unaffected so far, though prudence may dictate a reroute away from the trouble areas at lower levels. There are frequency issues in the western part of the Baghdad FIR, 129.1 is operating at reduced range west of position GIBUX. The advice to leave/avoid Iraq remains clear; US Embassy staff were evacuated from Baghdad on 16JUN to Consulates General in Basrah and Erbil and Iraq Support Unit in Amman.

LOVV/Vienna FIR reports several cases of ‘radar interference’, and the same is also true for a number of other Central European FIRs. Eurocontrol NM has started an investigation.

YPDN/Darwin has a number of F18 flypasts on the afternoon 21JUN, potential for delay.

LLBG/Tel Aviv Update to GA restrictions at Ben Gurion – 0450-0800, 1400-1800, and 2300-0140 local, due to traffic congestion. Parking is not permitted for longer than 03 days.

UGTB/Tbilisi Runway 13R/31L, the airports only runway, will be closed every Wednesday from 0800-1400 and every Friday 1400-1959 02JUL-03OCT.

LFMN/Nice is closed 2000-0400Z from 16JUN-21JUN.

SPIM/Lima From 09JUN-14JUL all flights departing to Brazil will be subject to slot allocation due to the FIFA World Cup.

DRRM/Maradi from 12JUN-12JUL the airport will be closed to all traffic.

Algeria The latest situation with Algeria overflight permits is as follows: During period of Eurocontrol member strikes affecting adjacent FIR’s, overflight is permitted with notification only by FPL. Outside these times, Passenger flights require prior approval from the CAA, and this can only be obtained during office hours, starting at 8am. Short-notice permits for emergencies and medical flights can be issued by the ATC centre at Algiers, but routine flights will only be processed during office hours.

Kazakhstan says it plans to drop visa requirements for visitors from 10 countries for a one-year test period. Effective 15JUL citizens of the United States, the Netherlands, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Japan will be able to enter and stay in Kazakhstan without a visa for 15 days. Foreign visitors holding passports from those countries who want to stay longer will be obliged to apply for business or investors’ visas.

United States The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has authorized for the first time the use of drone over land with the issuance of a permit to use unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in mapping oilfield pipelines, equipment and roads in Alaska.

OPKC/Karachi open after attack 09JUN The Taliban attack on Karachi’s International Airport will keep OPKC on the ‘avoid’ list for a long time to come. The airport reopened at 1100Z today but 07R, the closer runway, remains closed.

Italian strike goes ahead for 11JUN 09JUN An ATC strike in Italy is going ahead as planned 1030-1430Z on Wednesday. Overflights and Intercon arrivals not affected. Other international arrivals must land by 1100Z.

OLBA/Beirut, Lebanon ATC strike 0800-1000Z on 10JUN announced on Sunday. Traffic into and out of the main airport suspended, but overflights not affected.

SPxx/Peru Significant airspace restructuring coming to Peru on 24JUL. There will be new airspace configuration and major changes in the TMA’s of Lima, Arequipa, Cusco , Pucallpa, Chiclayo, Trujillo and Piura. Check charts are current.

MPZL/Panama FIR A reminder from ATC that Flight Plans must be filed in the new ICAO 2012 format and that the DOF code must be inserted into the plan , flight plans submitted with a DOF exceeding 24 hrs will not be accepted

SLVR/Santa Cruz, Bolivia Arrival and departure slots will be in force from 13JUN-16JUN due to the G77 developing nations summit. An alternate option may be SLCB/Cochabamba, 180nm away.

CZQX/Gander OCA – some feedback from Gander since the NAT changes on 29MAY. Aircraft exiting the NAT westbound at an OEP/Oceanic Exit Point other than the one initially filed, should always route to the landfall point associated with the new clearance. Expect an onward clearance after that landfall point. Also, co-ordinates should be carefully cross checked in the FMS, the shorthand N5450 format can lead to Nav errors.
East Africa – Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda have just introduced the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows multiple entries among the three countries for a period of 90 days for $100.

United Arab Emirates – 10JUN-12JUN Abu Dhabi is hosting the largest event on the IATA calendar, the biennial Slot Conference, which will attract nearly 1,000 delegates from over 200 airlines as well as representatives of over 60 airports. The conference aims to help airlines and airports worldwide obtain slots towards offering the best possible schedules for their customers.

FASZ/Skukuza (Kruger Park) – Starting 04JUN prior notice for landings must be obtained at least 2 working days in advance. Requests must be submitted in writing and addressed to Skukuza airport management either by fax or email. Penalties for non-authorized landings will be levied.

YPDN/Darwin closure after Indonesia Eruption 02JUN Darwin Airport closed this weekend due to a large volcanic eruption form Sangean Volcano in Central Indonesia. The plume initially reached FL100 before drifting south. Some flights started operating again Monday.

Ukraine Uncertainty Continues 02JUN Following a further week of unrest in Ukraine, per Eurocontrol the following airports still remain closed:  UKCC/Donetsk, UKFF/Simferopol, UKFB/Sevastopol, UKCM/Mariupol.

HEAT/Asyut, Egypt will be closed until at least May 2015 due to renovations.

OIIE/Tehran, Iran In remembrance of the 25th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini all air traffic in the Tehran province will cease from 0745 until 1200 local time (0315-0730 UTC) on 4 June 2014. The air traffic suspension will affect eight airports.

HRYR/ Kigali, Rwanda Rwy closed 0000-0430Z until 11Jun due repairs.

Indonesia Sangean Volcano in central Indonesia erupted Friday 30MAY, initial plume to FL100, traffic in Brisbane, Melbourne FIR’s also affected. YPDN/Darwin was closed for the weekend and slowly reopening Monday 02JUN. Local airports nearby also closed, 7000 evacuated.

EGNS/Isle of Man Red Arrows Display 03JUN at 1815Z, all movements at EGNS suspended during this time; delays expected.

RCKH/Kaohsiung, China The ATC folks are running a 2 hour tower evacuation drill during the afternoon of 12JUN. Delays are expected.

Libya – Due to ongoing security issues HLLS/Sebha remains closed until 10JUN, and HLLB/Benina closed until 15JUN, earliest.

TNCC/Curcacao will be closed daily from 0300-1100Z 09JUN until 27JUN

UKOV/Odesa FIR A new VHF Volmet is in operation from 01JUN on 126.375, reports available for Odesa and Simferopol FIRs, and Odesa, Kyiv, Chisinau, Bucharest, Constanta, and Istanbul.

VDPP/Phnom Penh Flight checks – delays can be expected for arrivals and departures. JUN 03-08 0200-1000Z.

DTTC/Tunis Flight crews are warned that they may encounter laser beams or other bright lights in flight.

Mexico Effective 25APR there are some significant changes to the Mexico Permit process. 1. No charter operations will be allowed to operate to Mexico as a private non-revenue flight – all flights are treated as charter. 2. Operators can apply for blanket permits to cover the fleet, but these take 3-4 months. 3. Single Trip Permits can be approved within 5 days. 4. These permits allow for the operator to fly to multiple destinations within Mexico, as long as no new passengers are acquired throughout the trip.

Greek Islands A Eurocontrol phone conference with Aircraft Operators was held on 28MAY to discuss the restrictions this coming summer. You can listen to a playback of the recording here.

Wallis and Futuna Customs and Immigration now require 48 hours PN at NLWW for all international flights.

Russia Not strictly aviation specific but effective 01JUN Russia has banned smoking in all restaurants, cafes, bars, and airports, trains, hotels, and ships.

North Atlantic Changes

This coming Thursday, 29MAY2014, Gander Control will implement a number of changes in their airspace on the Canadian Seaboard that will affect the structure and design of NAT Tracks, and Oceanic Flight Planning with immediate effect.

Removal of the Fish Points

On 29 MAY the following waypoints will be deleted: URTAK, BANCS, RONPO, COLOR, NOVEP, VIXUN, LOGSU, KOBEV, CYMON, DENDU, DOTTY, CRONO, HECKK, REDBY, CARPE, STEAM, OYSTR, VALIE, SCROD, and LOACH.

Introduction of Gander Oceanic Transition Area

Because of new ADS-B coverage in the area between Canada and Greenland, the boundary between Domestic and Oceanic airspace is being shifted around 175nm to the east, creating a new Oceanic Transition Area known as GOTA.

New NAT Track design – Eastbound

Currently, NAT Tracks have a anchor point and an Oceanic Entry Point (OEP) – like VIXUN LOGSU 49N50W. Starting 29MAY, the Track will be built using only an OEP and a 50W point – in this example JANJO 49N50W. 

New NAT Track design – Westbound

A westbound NAT Track used to run 50W – Oceanic Exit Point – Landfall, for example54N50W CARPE REDBY NAR123A. From 29MAY, there will be a 50W point and a dedicated Oceanic Exit Point, then straight into either FPL route or a NAR. Example, 53N50W RIKAL NAR302D.

New Oceanic Entry Points

With the removal of the Fish Points, and other long-known waypoints, a completely new list of Oceanic Entry Points (OEP’s) has been created by Gander. They start at AVPUT in the far north and run down to SUPRY. On our Planning Chart, they are highlighted in yellow.

Changed Blue Spruce Routes

The southern Blue Spruce Routes (for reduced Nav capability) now run as follows:

• OZN-59N50W-ALTOD-PRAWN-YDP
• OZN-59N50W-CUDDY-PORGY-HO
• OZN-58N50W-HOIST-YYR

More information

• Refer to Nav Canada AIC 20/14 for the full list, and for complete information about the change.
• Get a copy of our North Atlantic Planning Chart

Big changes on the North Atlantic 26MAY The famous ‘Fish Points’ in the Gander OCA will be largely removed this week as the Domestic/Oceanic boundary shifts eastwards. More below.

Thai Coup Restrictions 26MAY Curfew continues to be in force 2200-0500 daily in Thailand. All Airports operating normally, travel to/from Airport during curfew hours requires travel documents.

AGGH/Honiara Due to recent civil disturbances following disastrous flooding in Honiara and general unrest, operators are advised to avoid overnight stops at this location. Consider overnighting at NVVV/Port Vila.

WIHH/Halim (Jakarta) is closed 1500-2200Z daily until 24JUL due to runway repairs.

YSNF/Norfolk Island JET A1 fuel supplies were expected to return to normal on 24MAY after being unavailable due to a contamination issue. Check and confirm fuel availability prior departure.

EHAA/Amsterdam FIR From 29MAY14 the Eurocontrol IFPS Flight Planning computer will automatically check all FPL’s for 8.33KHZ equipment in the Netherlands in all IFR airspace, not just above FL195 as previously.

NZQN/Queenstown A new FBO/Corporate Jet Terminal has been newly opened for business. Known as Queenstown Corporate Jet Services, it is the only FBO currently operating at NZQN.

UMMM/Minsk 1 Airport will be closed from 31MAY 0600Z until 01JUN 1730Z. This is the downtown airport, not the larger International Minsk 2.

FEFF/Bangui has no JETA1 available until the end of June at earliest.

AYPY/Port Moresby reports an increase in the use of laser beams pointed at aircraft, exercise caution.

NFFF/Nadi FIR Airline operators/pilots intending to operate into Fiji domestic airspace or to transit the Nadi FIR should include their 24-Bit address in the field 18 for ATS surveillance purposes.

BIRK/Reykjavik Airshow on 29MAY, delays into the airport can expected from 1200-1600Z.

PKMJ/Majuro (Marshall Islands) has no fuel available from 24-28 May.
TRAFFIC RIGHTS, PERMITS, REGULATORY News

Venezuela update. An overflight permit is not required prior to airspace entry, but for any aircraft that has operated in the region in the past, it is essential to check your account status with the CAA (INAC) beforehand. Airspace entry denials for unpaid bills are now commonplace.

19MAY Operators have cancelled flights to HKMO/Mombassa amid increasing terrorist concerns in the north-east of Kenya; some have repatriated tourists mid-stay. The US Embassy is reducing staff numbers.

19MAY Catastrophic flooding in Serbia and Bosnia has led into increased aid traffic at LYBE/Belgrade and delays and parking restrictions may apply; the flooding is the worst since records began.

LYBE/Belgrade is seeing increased traffic due to aid activity as a result of flooding in the country. Delays of up to 2 hours for non-scheduled traffic possible.

LSGG/Geneva – anticipate high traffic volume and some delays due to EBACE traffic 20-22MAY. Aircraft static display is open on 22MAY.

SKCG/Cartagena, Colombia has restrictions until 28MAY requiring non-scheduled operators to seek permission at least 24H before arrival (though longer is recommended) SKBQ/Barranquilla is a sensible alternate during this period.

VYYY/Yangon, Myanmar is closed 29MAY 0730-0815Z for a live fire drill.

EGLL/London Heathrow ATC Regulation Trial continues, with a pre-tactical EGLLTC regulation of 52 aircraft per hour in place 0400-0800 daily until 31OCT.

HLLB/Benghazi, Libya closed until further notice due to security situation.

LDPL/Pula, Croatia is closed 23MAY 1600-1800Z due emergency exercise.

LIML/Milan Linate will close overnight for runway repairs between 03JUN-04JUL.

ULLI/St. Petersburg SPIEF International Economic Forum 21-24MAY. Refueling is available only on arrival and crews must be at the airport no less than two hours ahead of their departure time. Slots allocated to allow approx 10 arrivals per hour for the Forum. No overnight parking is available for unconnected flights during this period.

UKxx/Ukraine FIR’s (L’viv, Kyiv and Dnipro FIRs) Several airline reports of loss of GPS signals flying through this airspace.

Brazil has issued airport slots for World Cup 2014 on 15MAY, most are allocated already. An AVANAC domestic operating permit is required for all operators before a slot can be requested. Slot validity is 15 minutes. All pax and most crews will require a visa before arrival during World Cup operations – there is no possibility to obtain on arrival.

European Union The European Commission has adopted a new regulation that requires commercial air transport (CAT) operators from outside the European Union (EU), also known as “third-country operators” (TCOs), to obtain a single EU-wide safety authorization to fly to, from or within the EU. The registration requirement applies to CAT TCOs, who must demonstrate to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) compliance with ICAO standards. CAT operators include all airlines and charter operators. The TCO authorization is a single process for all operators flying to the 28 European Union states, EU overseas territories and the four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). The authorization will be a prerequisite to operating in these states and territories. A TCO authorization is not required for operators only overflying the EU member states, EU overseas territories and the four EFTA states. All existing operators must reapply for authorization, even if they hold authorization from individual EU member states. The regulation is in effect from 26MAY and EASA recommends approval be gained within 6 months.

Turkey The previously announced Turkish e-Visa scheme, abolishing Visa on Arrival, scheduled to become effective 10APR14, has been postponed until 31DEC14. https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ for an e-Visa.

United States The FAA’s Flight Standards Service (AFS) has created OpSpec/MSpec/LOA A153, a new and more efficient operations authorization for U.S.-registered aircraft in order to comply with early automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast (ADS-B) directives mandated by a growing number of other countries, primarily in the Asia-Pacific region. The new approval is in the final stages of development and is expected to be available to operators at the end of June 2014.

Belarus A visa-free regime will be in place for the official participants of the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship and foreign tourists for the period from 25 April until 31 May 2014. An original or electronic ticket to a game of the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship will become the basis for a visa-free entry in the territory of Belarus for tourists.

Confusion over Crimea: Special Report Apr 3 : Simferopol ACC re-opened 03APR creating confusion as to who should be providing ATC service in the Crimea region. We have published a Special 6 page International Ops Notice (03/2014) “2014 Airspace and Regulatory Changes in Crimea”.

Kosovo Upper Airspace re-opens Apr 3 : After 15 years, the last remaining chunk of European airspace closed to overflying traffic in the Balkans has reopened. The KFOR sector over Kosovo became available on 03APR, with route savings immediately apparent to operators.

Kxxx/USA Operators should be aware of the new FAA ATC phraseologies effective 03APR. The FAA will implement “climb via” phraseology and procedures for departure operations consistent with existing “descend via” phraseology and procedures. “Climb via” and “descend via” are abbreviated ATC clearances that require compliance with the procedure’s lateral path, associated speed restrictions, and altitude restrictions published on the SID or STAR. Some good information at http://www.nbaa.org/ops/cns/pbn/climb-via/

LLOV/Ovda, Israel will be closed to all flights 01MAY-07MAY

DGAA/Accra, Ghana Until 23JUN, The main runway (03/21) is open daily from 0500-2300Z only; no traffic accepted outside these hours.

LFMN/Nice Change in parking procedure; if approval is granted for parking, but operator changes to another, larger aircraft, then the previous approval will be cancelled. Co-ordinate all aircraft changes with Airport Ops.

YPXM/Christmas Island has reopened after the recent Cyclone in the Indian Ocean.

OSDI/Damascus FIR – For those still overflying, Syria has closed airway L513 from BURSA to LEBOR UFN.

HSSM /Malakal, South Sudan is only accessible with permission from the government security services. This is very difficult to obtain and makes the airport effectively shut.

HSWW /Wau, South Sudan is open without any specific additional permission being required.

MGGT/Guatemala City ChevronTexaco, for any fueling on the east and military ramps from 0900-1600 LT, requires a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.

HLLS/Sebha, Libya remains closed until 07APR.

CAA Closures. Myanamar has an extended closure due to public holidays from 12-21APR. The Chinese CAA are celebrating National Tomb-Sweeping Day on 07APR.

UK Charter Permits. Significant changes to the approval process for Landing Permits for the UK will take effect on 06 APR. CAA will take over the responsibility for issuing approvals from the Department for Transport (DFT). Also, previously, a cabotage objection could be raised by a group of UK Charter Operators – this is removed. A fee is likely to be charged by the CAA for permits from this point forward.

Turkey. Effective 10APR2014 Visa on Arrival is no longer available at Turkish Airports. Visitors must apply online through https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ for an e-Visa.

Australia. A reminder to all operators who are not ADS-B equipped, of the restrictions when operating into Australian Airspace effective from 15DEC13. If you not ADS-B equipped you must file with CASA, a Form 208 exemption application 14 days in advance of proposed operations into Australian Airspace. Then operations will be confined to the SSR radar coverage area extending from 200 nm north of Cairns down the East coast to 200 nm west of Adelaide. This is commonly referred to as the J curve. If you intend operating into the Brisbane or Melbourne FIRs from the west and north west of Australia, and are not ADB-B equipped you will be required to operate at FL290 or below.

Crimea & Simferopol FIR
Following the recent events in Ukraine and Crimea, we received a high volume of requests for information on the airspace and current situation. The information below is a majority extract from our International Ops Notice 03/14 published on 05APR.

SUMMARY

Effective April 2014 a significant number of changes will affect Airports and Airspace in the Crimean Peninsula.

BACKGROUND – What happened?

Following the removal of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on 21 February, Russia moved to take control of Crimea, an autonomous republic that until now has been part of Ukraine. While the referendum that ceded authority is disputed internationally, Crimea is now under de facto control of Russia, creating a political standoff with Europe and the US that has led to a complicated airspace situation.

AIRSPACE AND AIRPORTS INVOLVED

• Simferopol FIR A large and significant FIR covering busy Black Sea routes, with a predominant east/west flow, with ATC service provided from Simferopol Airport.
• Simferopol Airport A large airport in the centre of Crimea with International and Domestic Air Service, with TWR/APP
• Sevastopol Airport A smaller civil, domestic airport beside the town of Sevastopol in the southwest of Crimea, with TWR.
• Zavodskoe Airport Another smaller domestic airport beside Simferopol, with an AFIS Unit.
• Kerch Airport Used only by general aviation, currently bankrupt.

Some History – MARCH DEVELOPMENTS

• 13 March Russian troops took control of the Towers, Airports, and ATC Centre. Simferopol and Sevastopol closed to civil traffic. ATC Service from Simferopol was terminated.
• 14 March ATC Service for the Simferopol FIR is now provided by other ATC Centres in Ukraine. Odesa took control of the western portion (Sectors 3,4,5) and Dnipropetrovsk the eastern portion (Sectors 1,2)
• 16 March Referendum held in Crimea, result determines wish to join Russia.

Current Status – CHANGES SINCE RUSSIAN CONTROL OF CRIMEA

• 24 March Rouble adopted as official currency of Crimea
• 24 March Russian Passports issued to existing population. Russian Visa required to enter for non-Ukrainians/Crimeans
• 31 March Clocks move forward 2 hours, Crimea is now on Moscow time
• 03 April Simferopol ACC re-opens, providing ATC Service in the Simferopol FIR
• 03 April Permit now required to enter Airspace over Crimea, according to NOTAM from Russia

Simferopol ACC

The Simferopol FIR is normally controlled from an Area Control Centre located at Simferopol Airport. It was closed on 13 March (picture taken same day) when Russia took control of facilities in the peninsula, and service for the FIR was provided using remote radar data by Ukrainian controllers from Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk.

At 10am on 3 April Simferopol ACC was reopened, managed by a new service provider called “Krymaeronavigatsiya”. The controllers in the centre are mostly the same controllers that operated Simferopol ACC for the Ukrainian National Authority.

To reactivate control of the airspace from Simferopol, Russia issued several NOTAMs on 28 March which were subsequently disputed by Ukraine and Eurocontrol. This has led to an unsafe situation leading to an ICAO letter and recommendation to avoid the Simferopol FIR until the situation is resolved.

NEW ICAO CODES

URFB Sevastopol Belbek (was UKFB)
URFF Simferopol (was UKFF)
URFV Simferopol FIR/ACC (was URFV)

* Issued by Russia, not (yet) recognised outside Russia.

Aircraft Reports

Since the re-opening of Simferopol ACC on 03 APR, Eurocontrol has rejected FPL’s containing routings through the Simferopol FIR with the exception of the L851 airway which runs along the southern part of the FIR.

Traffic operating through the Simferopol FIR on Friday 04APR reported issues with “Joint Authority”:

B747 enroute Europe-ME:
“Instruction from Bucharest ACC to contact Odessa on 134.675
On initial contact with them, they advised us to comply only to their instructions!
Then Simferopol ACC calls on 121.5 and advised to switch on 120.4.
Also they advised us to comply only to their instructions!
Both performed radio check to see if the aircraft is still on frequencies Both provide instructions (position report), fortunately the same.”

CL601 enroute LOWW/Vienna-URKK/Krasnodar
We were passed onto Odessa Radar and checked in with them. We were then told to maintain our altitude and also warned NOT to get in contact with Simferopol as it is not a legal ATC station.
We were also given another frequency in case we lost comms with Odessa.
We were contacted on 121.5, the emergency frequency by Simferopol advising us to contact them on their frequency numerous times. We decided as a crew to stay with Odessa. We were then passed onto Rostov control and continued the flight with no incident.

ANALYSIS

At present, there is effectively a stand off between Russia and Ukraine over recognititon of who is the rightful Authority to manage the airspace over Crimea. Russia has determined that it is Simferopol ACC, and is providing full service for the airspace from the existing ATC Centre. Ukraine, through Eurocontrol, determined that it should continue to provide service from remote sites, and therefore asserts its authority over the airspace.

The result, is that two Authorities are both stating claim over what has become Disputed Airspace, in a very similar situation to that in Northern Cyprus. So, who is right? There is no correct answer. The political situation is complex at present, and it difficult to determine what the future will bring.

Purely on a practical analysis however, it can be said with relative certainty, that Crimea will remain under Russian control, and it is likely to be a matter of time before Russian managed operation of Simferopol ACC is accepted internationally, either on a safety case or a relaxing of political stance.
Until such time, operation within the Simferopol FIR is operationally possible but carries with it the risks associated with Disputed Airspace.

Questions and Answers

What’s happening?
Russia has claimed territorial control over Crimea, leading to the reopening of Simferopol ACC after a three week closure, and the same claim over airspace. Ukraine, under a new government, has defied the move, issuing its own NOTAMs to declare Russia’s move invalid.

Can we enter the Simferopol FIR?
In short, Yes. The airspace is not closed. However, it’s probably not a good idea, if you can avoid it. Two countries have claimed authority over the running of ATC – Russia and Ukraine, and there is no clear winner. For some operators there will be no choice but to enter, so see below for advice.

Can I file a flight plan to enter the Simferopol FIR?
Yes, if you’re outside Europe. However, any FPL filed within the IFPS Region (ie. Eurocontrol) will be rejected if it contains a routing through the Simferopol FIR.

What if we decide to enter the airspace? Are there any sanctions or restrictions?
No, there aren’t any legal or diplomatic sanctions preventing this, only Flight Planning restrictions from Eurocontrol. On the first day that Simferopol ACC was open, 145 flights were handled through the FIR, primarily non-European operators. If you do enter, we recommend:
•    Two VHF sets – one on Simferopol frequency, one on Odesa or Dnipropetrovsk frequency
•    Contact and remain in contact with both controllers, as long as possible
•    Fly standard levels, do not request a level change
•    Monitor TCAS
•    Consider any instruction to change level or routing carefully, and coordinate with both ATC’s.

Is this is the same situation as Ercan (Cyprus) ?
Kind of. Since 1974 there has been Disputed Airspace over the northern part of Cyprus, and two stations vie for control of the airsapce – Ercan and Nicosia. However, there are a couple of important differences. First, ICAO has declared it’s recognition only of Nicosia, this is not the case in Crimea, where ICAO has only said it’s unsafe at present, so avoid. Second, there are clear instructions for crossing that airspace – for Crimea, at present, there are no procedures – again, only an advice to avoid.

Do I need a permit to enter Simferopol FIR?
Not at present, but this could change fast. Officially, Russia has declared the FIR to fall under the same rules as the rest of Russia, which means that a permit should be required to enter the airspace. However, there are two complicating factors.

1. A number of “Non-Sovereign routes” run through the Black Sea that Russia does not require a permit for (as the next sector is Rostov-on-Don airspace), requiring only advance notification to UUUWZDZX. Simferopol FIR would likely follow the same logic, though this has not been published.

URRV FIR (Rostov) Non- Sovereign Routes
GAMAN G277 BANUT
OLENA R230 LAMET A277 BANUT
BANUT A277 LAMET R230 OLENA
BANUT B147 TISOM
SOBLO B143 IDLER

2. The second factor is that the confusion at present is allowing leniency for overflight permits. However, if the situation is resolved with Russia being recognised as the sole controlling Authority, then flights over Crimean landmass will absolutely require a permit to overfly.

What about the Airports in Crimea? Is Simferopol open?
Yes, Simferopol is open to civil traffic, and a permit is required from the Russian Authorities. The process follows the same procedure as in the rest of Russia, with local Crimean approval, and also Federal approval required. Sevastopol is lesser used in any case, but may be available.

Is there any security risk in overflying Crimea?
No. The situation on the ground in Crimea is very stable, and there is no determined risk of any ground-air strikes or anything affecting security of flight.

Is there a safety risk in overflying Crimea, or entering the Simferopol FIR?
At the moment, yes. There is a risk level, although relatively minimal, due to the potential for confusion as to the correct controlling authority. The risk is highest near the airspace boundaries with other Ukrainian sectors. There is likely to also be an increased volume of traffic speaking Russian and therefore reducing situational awareness for international crews overflying.

So, is Simferopol an “Illegal” ATC Station?
No. Their authority is questioned by Europe, but they are fully trained, valid controllers, with ICAO recognised licenses. It’s worth remembering that although Simferopol is currently declared “illegal” by some adjacent sectors, they are the same controllers that were operating that airspace just three weeks ago, and have done so for decades. If you are in there, you should at least be talking to them, not least because they will have control of conflicting westbound Russian traffic that will not be in contact with other sectors.

What happens westbound from Russia?
If you are entering Simferopol FIR from Rostov-na-Donu FIR, you will be transferred in a normal fashion to Simferopol ACC on the usual (historic) frequencies. Once approaching the boundary with Odessa or Dnipro you should make contact at least 10 minutes in advance.

Is there any co-ordination between Simferopol and Odesa, or Dnipropetrvosk ATC ?
We’re uncertain, but we believe flight information is being exchanged in terms of boundary estimates and OLDI interchange. However, verbal communications are not likely cooperative at the moment, given the disputed control of the airspace.

When will this be resolved?
Hard to say, and the question that everyone is asking. The Ukraine NOTAMS are valid until 14APR, but that indicates little. A long term avoidance of the Simferopol FIR is unlikely due to commercial pressure. At a minimum, the airspace south of the landmass, ie. L850 and south, could be expected to be made available in the event of an ongoing standoff.

Airspace Map Crimea and Simferopol FIR

Security issues rule out Venezuela, Libya Mar 23: SVMI/Caracas, Venezuela, and HLLT/Tripoli, Libya, should be off your tech stop or charter lists for the foreseeable future. Both airports have been subject to rising security risks over the last months, reaching a climax last week with a bomb attack on RWY 09/27 in Tripoli and increased civil unrest in Caracas.

New rules for UK Permits Mar 23 : Significant changes to the approval process for Landing Permits for the UK will take effect on 06 APR. CAA will take over the responsibility for issuing approvals from the Department for Transport (DFT). Also, previously, a cabotage objection could be raised by a group of UK Charter Operators – this is removed. A fee is likely to be charged by the CAA for permits from this point forward.

SVMI/Caracas, Venezuela Public unrest has raised tensions in the capital to the point where several airlines have suspended service, including Air Canada this past week. Coupled with the security issue is a payment issue, with the Venezuelan government not releasing ticket payments. SVMI remains open and operational, but not recommended. For tech stops, consider TNCC/Curacao just to the north.

Uxxx/Crimea Region. Following the referendum on 16MAR, Crimea is now officially Russian Territory. This places the Simferopol FIR under Russian Control, but service is still provided by Ukraine. Simferopol Sectors 3,4 and 5 are now controlled by Odesa, and Sectors 1 and 2 are controlled by Dnipropetrvosk. UKFF/Simferopol and UKFB/Sevastopol are closed to civil traffic. No decision has yet been made by the Russian CAA as to whether permits will be required to overfly Crimea. It seems unlikely that there will be any change to the present ‘no permit required’ situation in the coming weeks at least, though when Simferopol Airport reopens we would anticipate Landing Permits being required through Russia.

VTSP/Phuket – International restrictions due to construction until 31MAR. Slot and PPR require 48HR PN, Landing Permit requests should allow 10 days.

LIxx/Italy ATC Industrial action announced for 30MAR 1030-1430Z. For this and subsequent strikes, ENAC, the Italian provider, will accept a limited number of pre-arranged flights from each AO.

EHAA/Amsterdam FIR Due to Nuclear Summit in the Hague on 24 and 25MAR, most of the FIR is accessible by Prior Permission only, including all flights to EHAM, EHRD, EHEH. Contact nss.ppr@minienm.nl or +31 (0) 577453696.
LLOV/Ovda, Israel will be closed to all flights 01MAY-07MAY

DGAA/Accra, Ghana Until 23JUN, The main runway (03/21) is open daily from 0500-2300Z only; no traffic accepted outside these hours.

YPXM/Christmas Island is closed and unmanned at present due to a Cyclone.

HLLT/Tripoli, Libya was subject to a bomb attack on Friday. The device was placed on the centerline of RWY09/27 overnight and detonated with a timer. Most regular operators cancelled flights immediately, with no set date to resume operations.

OSDI/Damascus FIR – For those still overflying, Syria has closed airway L513 from BURSA to LEBOR UFN.
UK Charter Permits. Significant changes to the approval process for Landing Permits for the UK will take effect on 06 APR. CAA will take over the responsibility for issuing approvals from the Department for Transport (DFT). Also, previously, a cabotage objection could be raised by a group of UK Charter Operators – this is removed. A fee is likely to be charged by the CAA for permits from this point forward.

Turkey. Effective 10APR2014 Visa on Arrival is no longer available at Turkish Airports. Visitors must apply online through https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ for an e-Visa.

Australia. A reminder to all operators who are not ADS-B equipped, of the restrictions when operating into Australian Airspace effective from 15DEC13. If you not ADS-B equipped you must file with CASA, a Form 208 exemption application 14 days in advance of proposed operations into Australian Airspace. Then operations will be confined to the SSR radar coverage area extending from 200 nm north of Cairns down the East coast to 200 nm west of Adelaide. This is commonly referred to as the J curve. If you intend operating into the Brisbane or Melbourne FIRs from the west and north west of Australia, and are not ADB-B equipped you will be required to operate at FL290 or below.

URSS/Sochi Starting from 20JAN, including period of XXII Winter Olympic Games and XI Winter Paralympic Games 2014, airlines are obliged to send the passenger manifest with exact Name, Surname, Passport number and series, or other ID, Ticket number, 24 hours prior to departure and no less then 4 hours prior to departure – passenger manifest changes, when operating to Sochi International airport (IATA code-AER). Information should be sent to the following e-mails: Checkin_DIsp@aer.basel.aero, Chief_smena_SAB@aer.basel.aero. See NOTAM A3075, A4018.

Simferopol ACC closed – uncertainty in Crimea Mar 18: On 13MAR ATC service over Crimea ceased to be provided by Simferopol ACC, with responsibility shifted to Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk ACC’s. UKFF/Simferopol and UKFB/Sevastopol Airports are closed to civil traffic. It remains to be seen whether the Referendum on 16MAR results in the FIR being controlled by Russia, with ensuing permit requirements.

New Oceanic Area for India Mar 19 : Effective 19MAR a new Oceanic Area Control Centre (OACC) comes into being – Kolkatta Oceanic, partly covering the Kolkata and Chennai FIR’s on the eastern side of India over the Bay of Bengal. The callsign will be “Kolkata Oceanic”. Further details below …

VECF/Kolkata OACC, India A new OACC/Oceanic Control Centre becomes operational on 19MAR known as the Kolkata Oceanic Control Centre. The area is operational from MSL to FL460, CPDLC is primary comms method, HF backup on 10066/6556/3491. See India NOTAM A0211/14.

Uxxx/Crimea Region. With the current situation in Crimea, there have been several changes this week in the provision of ATC in the region. Simferopol Sectors 3,4 and 5 are now controlled by Odesa, and Sectors 1 and 2 are controlled by Dnipropetrvosk. UKFF/Simferopol and UKFB/Sevastopol are closed to civil traffic. It remains to be seen whether the Referendum on 16MAR will result in the airspace being controlled by Russia, with the possibility that a permit will be required as for the rest of the Russian Federation.

LFxx/France has announced industrial action on the 18MAR. Negotiations will continue over the weekend with SNCTA , and the strike situation will be much clearer on Monday.

SACF/ Cordoba ACC, Argentina Radar issues continue, no radar control provided in the South Sector of the FIR.

OAKN/Kandahar – AIrcraft planning through flights using Military Ramp face fuel restrictions due supply issues. Limit of approx 1200USG per aircraft.

VTSP/Phuket – International restrictions due to construction until 31MAR. Slot and PPR require 48HR PN, Landing Permit requests should allow 10 days.

SBKP/Campinas – Airport will be closed between 0330-0730LT on 13-15MAR and 18-22MAR.

OSDI/Damascus FIR – For those still overflying, Syria has closed airway L513 from BURSA to LEBOR UFN.

Turkey. Effective 10APR2014 Visa on Arrival is no longer available at Turkish Airports. Visitors must apply online through https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ for an e-Visa.

UK Charter Permits. Significant changes to the approval process for Landing Permits for the UK will take effect on 06 APR. CAA will take over the responsibility for issuing approvals from the Department for Transport (DFT). Also, previously, a cabotage objection could be raised by a group of UK Charter Operators – this is removed. A fee is likely to be charged by the CAA for permits from this point forward.

Australia. A reminder to all operators who are not ADS-B equipped, of the restrictions when operating into Australian Airspace effective from 15DEC13. If you not ADS-B equipped you must file with CASA, a Form 208 exemption application 14 days in advance of proposed operations into Australian Airspace. Then operations will be confined to the SSR radar coverage area extending from 200 nm north of Cairns down the East coast to 200 nm west of Adelaide. This is commonly referred to as the J curve. If you intend operating into the Brisbane or Melbourne FIRs from the west and north west of Australia, and are not ADB-B equipped you will be required to operate at FL290 or below.

URSS/Sochi Starting from 20JAN, including period of XXII Winter Olympic Games and XI Winter Paralympic Games 2014, airlines are obliged to send the passenger manifest with exact Name, Surname, Passport number and series, or other ID, Ticket number, 24 hours prior to departure and no less then 4 hours prior to departure – passenger manifest changes, when operating to Sochi International airport (IATA code-AER). Information should be sent to the following e-mails: Checkin_DIsp@aer.basel.aero, Chief_smena_SAB@aer.basel.aero. See NOTAM A3075, A4018.

Wednesday and Thursday – ATC Strikes Jan 28: Full details of ATC strike action across Europe are now clear and the impact is widespread. Countries affected are France, Italy, Greece, Austria, Slovakia, Czech, Hungary, Malta, Cyprus and Portugal. Both 29JAN and 30JAN have a variety of airspace closures and restrictions; read details below.

Australia ADS-B requirements Jan 28 : All operators who are not ADS-B equipped, have restrictions when operating into Australian Airspace effective since 15DEC13. Operations will be confined to the SSR radar coverage area extending from 200 nm north of Cairns down the East coast to 200 nm west of Adelaide. Non compliant operators must fly at FL290 or below. See Permits and Regulatory news below for further information.

URSS/Sochi has a new Volmet in action from 23JAN on HF 12870 and 13310, with reports for Sochi, Rostov, Krasnodar, Anapa, M Vody and Stavropol.

AGGH/Honiara, Solomon Islands Airport is closed until further notice due B737 landing accident. No injuries but aircraft clearing will take some time. As of last report, airport personnel were in the process of clearing the aircraft and the 13 tons of cargo it was carrying off the runway into a nearby hangar, at which point operations at the airport will resume.

Kxxx/Washington Area A temporary flight restriction (TFR), outlined in FDC Notam 4/2985, will be in place on 28JAN 2000-2300 local for aircraft flying into or out of the Washington, D.C. area. Issued as part of security measures for U.S. President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, defines the affected area as the boundaries of the current D.C. flight restricted Zone (FRZ) and will prohibit general aviation operations at Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Executive/Hyde Field (W32), Potomac Airfield (VKX) and College Park Airport (CGS).

Europe ATC Strikes: ATC and Transport Unions Multiple Strike Action for 29JAN and 30JAN. On 29JAN Portugal 0700-0900Z and 1400-1600Z; No arrivals/departures and restricted overflights. Malta 0500-1700Z. Italy 1200-1600Z, Bulgaria 0500-1500Z, Cyprus 1300-1700Z. 30JAN France – entire day from 1800Z day before to 0500Z day after, Czech Rep 0600-1800Z, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary 0800-1000Z. Enroute ACC’s affected are generally operating during these periods with strictly limited traffic levels managed by slots. Greece 0700-100Z and Italy 1400-1415Z. Inbound Intercontinental flights will be accepted into Italy regardless of strike action. Germany cancelled all action, and Spain is not participating. For a full briefing and more up to date info refer to Eurocontrol NOP.

HEMM/Mersa Matruh, Egypt will close for 5 months from 10FEB for runway reconstruction.

HTxx/Tanzania ICAO codes – update to last weeks news, thanks to Doug at Emirates for this info. HTDA will in fact remain valid for Dar Es Salaam. Zanzibar has changed as planned to HTAK.

OIBK/Kish Island, Iran has fuel restrictions in place due to shortage until 10FEB. Maximum 800USG per aircraft allowed.

NFFF/Tontouta New Caledonia reporting ATC strike action from 27JAN-31JAN. Not clear if this is related to European action.

HRYR/Kigali, Rwanda is closed 0000-0500Z until 02FEB due runway maintenance.

MROC/San Jose Runway will be closed from 0900-1000 on 06FEB.

EPWW/Warsaw ACC Significant restrictions in place for the next few months due to new system. Overall Enroute capacity down to 25%.

UTAx/Turkmenistan ACC New requirement to contact Turkmenistan ATC minimum 150km (75nm) from the FIR boundary for all flights entering Ashgabat, Turkmenbashi, Turkmenabat ACC Airspace.

HKNA/Nairobi ACC Upgrading Area Control VHF service, with many frequencies out of service including 121.3, 125.3 and 118.5 – operators advised to use HF instead until 30JAN.

Hong Kong CAA closed 31JAN-03FEB for New Year Celebrations, request permits early, also for period after closure. Chinese regulatory offices will be closed from 31JAN until 06FEB.

Russia New requirements for API and PNR data for Airlines operating both scheduled and non-scheduled flights in effect 01DEC. API data should be transmitted 15 mins prior departure to SITA MOWRU8X. NOTAM A2345/13 and AIC 04/13.

Europe ATC Strikes Jan 20: Two separate unions have called for strikes on 29JAN and 30JAN. ATCEUC has called for strike action in response to dissatisfaction with new Performance Requirements for ATCO’s, with an action day on 29JAN. The ETF (European Transport Federation) has called for a strike on 30JAN. Many countries are affected, see below for details.

Italy 29th Jan: Union CILA/AV called strike from 1200-1600 UTC. 30th Jan: Unions FILT-CGIL/FIT-CISL/UILT-UIL called strike from 1400-1415 UTC. Very low impact. France The main ATCOs Union (SNCTA) has planned a 5 days strike from 27th Jan (1700 UTC) until 31st Jan (0500 UTC). Negotiations with the French authorities are ongoing. Regardless of the outcome of negotiations, DSNA expects that ETF strike on the 30th is (likely) heavily followed. Germany ATCOs Union are also planning to participate to the action on the 30th for a short period. Portugal Portuguese ATCO Union (SINCTA) called for a strike on 29th January between 0700-0900 and 1400-1600 UTC. Slovakia ATCO Union has announced participation to the strike on 30th January for 2 hours, anytime between 1000-1400 UTC. Hungary Two hour strike on the 30th between 0800-1600 UTC is planned.

HKNA/Nairobi ACC Upgrading Area Control VHF service, with many frequencies out of service including 121.3, 125.3 and 118.5 – operators advised to use HF instead until 30JAN.

LSxx/Switzerland World Economic Forum in Davos 20JAN-26JAN. Various Airspace restrictions, route closures, and restrictions; see Swiss AIP Sup 01/14.

MROC/San Jose Runway will be closed from 0900-1000 on 06FEB.

EPWW/Warsaw ACC Significant restrictions in place for the next few months due to new system. Overall Enroute capacity reduction of 35% continues.

HTxx/Tanzania Two ICAO Code changes: Dar Es Salaam, previously HTDA – ICAO has changed to HTJN. Zanzibar, previously HTZA – ICAO has changed to HTAK.

UTAx/Turkmenistan ACC New requirement to contact Turkmenistan ATC minimum 150km (75nm) from the FIR boundary for all flights entering Ashgabat, Turkmenbashi, Turkmenabat ACC Airspace.

HLLL/Tripoli FIR All international traffic transiting through the HLLLFIR is still subject to operations on a set of mandatory northbound / southbound routes as per NOTAM A0860/13 which is applicable until the end of February 2014. Operators are advised to apply the IATA In Flight Broadcast Procedure while in the HLLL FIR. A new international airport, HLGD/Sirte is now available for International Flights H24.

China Due to the Chinese New Year Celebrations, all regulatory offices will be closed from 31JAN until 06FEB. During this time, permits and air traffic rights requirements will not be processed. Ensure that applications for this period, or the week after, are submitted well in advance.

URSS/Sochi Starting from 20JAN, including period of XXII Winter Olympic Games and XI Winter Paralympic Games 2014, airlines are obliged to send the passenger manifest with exact Name, Surname, Passport number and series, or other ID, Ticket number, 24 hours prior to departure and no less then 4 hours prior to departure – passenger manifest changes, when operating to Sochi International airport (IATA code-AER). Information should be sent to the following e-mails: Checkin_DIsp@aer.basel.aero, Chief_smena_SAB@aer.basel.aero. See NOTAM A3075, A4018.

LFMN/Nice Changes to procedures for crew members. Previously crew members could enter and leave Nice without passport control; systematic controls will now take place when arriving and departing LFMN (from/to NON Schengen countries). Passport controls for passengers entering and departing LFMN will remain as always (from/to NON Schengen countries). A complete manifest for passengers will now be required for all departures to Schengen countries to be filed by the Immigration Authorities.

Bolivia The permitting process for Bolivia is becoming stricter, with delays in issuing permits more common than before. Both landing and overflight permits are required for operations to or overflying Bolivia for private non-revenue and charter (non-scheduled commercial) operations. Permits are processed by Bolivia’s Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC) during normal operating hours: Monday-Friday, 0830-1630 local. Documentation requirements are the same for private non-revenue and charter flights.

India Crews operating Ferry Flights and General Aviation crews can once again secure visas or TLP’s (Temporary Landing Permits) on arrival into Indian airports. In addition, Indian missions and posts abroad have been authorized to grant business visas to crew of private non-revenue and charter flights within three days of the visa application. These visas will be endorsed on their national passport and not on the crew member certificate. These visa processing times also do not apply to crew who are nationals of a PRC country. Visas for these crew members could take as many as 30 days.

Russia New requirements for API and PNR data for Airlines operating both scheduled and non-scheduled flights in effect 01DEC. API data should be transmitted 15 mins prior departure to SITA MOWRU8X. NOTAM A2345/13 and AIC 04/13.

Bolivia The permitting process for Bolivia is becoming stricter, with delays in issuing permits more common than before. Both landing and overflight permits are required for operations to or overflying Bolivia for private non-revenue and charter (non-scheduled commercial) operations. Permits are processed by Bolivia’s Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC) during normal operating hours: Monday-Friday, 0830-1630 local. Documentation requirements are the same for private non-revenue and charter flights.

Overflight permits for Bolivia can now be obtained online.

Georgia joins IFPS Jan 13: Effective 09JAN, Georgia is now part of the Eurocontrol IFPS. Flight plans within the Tbilisi FIR are now managed by Network Management in Brussels/Paris. This means flights plans should be filed in the same way as other European Countries, and ATC slots will be managed from Brussels.

New Mexico APIS requirements Jan 13 : Effective this month, Mexico has a new set of Advance Passenger Information (API) requirements, published by the Mexican Government’s National Institute of Immigration (INM) and applying to all commercial, non-scheduled commercial (charter), and private non-revenue operations. For flights over 1 hour API data must be sent within 30 minutes, for shorter flights immediately.

EDDL/Dusseldorf No arrivals Monday 13JAN 1000-1120 due to Bomb Disposal operation, delays expected until later in the afternoon.

LIxx/Italy ENAV Unions in have notified Industrial Action as follows: 30/01/2014, 1400-1415 UTC All ENAV personnel at LI ACCs and airports, 10/02/2014, 0900-1700 UTC ENAV personnel in LICJ TWR, 21/02/2014, 1200-1600 UTC All ENAV personnel at LI ACCs and airports

HSSS/Khartoum has a new area radar service from 05JAN in the northeast portion of the FIR.

NFFF/Nadi FIR, Fiji ADS-B In Trail procedure trial underway effective 09JAN, reducing separation to 15NM in Oceanic Airspace for suitable aircraft.

HSxx/South Sudan Due to the clashes in the Republic of South Sudan, HSSM/Malkal Airport, and HSWW/Wau Airport, are anounced closed, not serviceable, till further notice

EPWW/Warsaw ACC Significant restrictions in place for the next few months due to new system. Overall Enroute capacity reduction of 35%. Restrictions affect traffic departing from U… with destinations LI** LE** LO** EG**, LFP* and EHAM until 15 January.

Afghanistan PPR is Mandatory for all flights to Bagram (OAIX), Jalalabad (OAJL), Kabul (OAKB), Kandahar (OAKN) and Tereen (OATN). For operations to more than one airfield, a separate PPR request form must be submitted for each one

Bolivia The permitting process for Bolivia is becoming stricter, with delays in issuing permits more common than before. Both landing and overflight permits are required for operations to or overflying Bolivia for private non-revenue and charter (non-scheduled commercial) operations. Permits are processed by Bolivia’s Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC) during normal operating hours: Monday-Friday, 0830-1630 local. Documentation requirements are the same for private non-revenue and charter flights.

Mexico Effective January 1st, Mexico has a new set of Advance Passenger Information (API) requirements, published by the Mexican Government’s National Institute of Immigration (INM) and applying to all commercial, non-scheduled commercial (charter), and private non-revenue operations. For flights over 1 hour API data must be sent within 30 minutes, for shorter flights immediately.

India Crews operating Ferry Flights and General Aviation crews can once again secure visas or TLP’s (Temporary Landing Permits) on arrival into Indian airports. In addition, Indian missions and posts abroad have been authorized to grant business visas to crew of private non-revenue and charter flights within three days of the visa application. These visas will be endorsed on their national passport and not on the crew member certificate. These visa processing times also do not apply to crew who are nationals of a PRC country. Visas for these crew members could take as many as 30 days.

Russia New requirements for API and PNR data for Airlines operating both scheduled and non-scheduled flights in effect 01DEC. API data should be transmitted 15 mins prior departure to SITA MOWRU8X. NOTAM A2345/13 and AIC 04/13.

China ADIZ FPL Rules Dec 4: Last weeks introduction of a new Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea requests operators to send FPL data to Beijing. There is no new requirement for overflight permits or prior permission. Advice being given to operators is to copy the ATC plan to the two AFTN addresses listed. Read more below …

Poland FIR reroutes Dec 3: With the introduction of a new ATC System in Poland, significant restrictions exist in the Warsaw FIR and will continue into the new year. To reduce complexity, traffic originating in Russia is rerouted around Poland, the ACC is at 65% capacity and TMA at 75%.

LSGG/Geneva Transition to new stripless ATC system will be complete 11DEC. Approach running at 80% capacity until 10DEC.

EPWW/Warsaw ACC Significant restrictions in place for the next few months due to new system. Overall Enroute capacity reduction of 35%. Restrictions affect traffic departing from U… with destinations LI** LE** LO** EG**, LFP* and EHAM from 26 November until 15 January.

Afghanistan PPR is Mandatory for all flights to Bagram (OAIX), Jalalabad (OAJL), Kabul (OAKB), Kandahar (OAKN) and Tereen (OATN). For operations to more than one airfield, a separate PPR request form must be submitted for each one.

NAT/North Atlantic The FAA will publish a NOTAM on 12DEC detailing plans for the rollout of Phase 2 of the North Atlantic datalink mandate. Implementation will begin with Phase 2a on 05FEB2015, at which time flights within the North Atlantic Tracks (NAT) between FL350 and FL390 must be equipped with Fans 1/A controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC) and ADS-C systems. The program expands to these altitudes in the entire ICAO NAT region on Dec. 7, 2017, and to all flights in this region above FL290 on Jan. 30, 2020.

Philippines Due to ongoing relief efforts, fuel supply at the following locations is limited: RPMB/General Santos, RPMD/Davao, RPVI/Iloilo, and RPVK/Kalibo. There are also intermittent shortages at RPLL/Manila.

YMML/Melbourne is introducing Ground Delay Program capability as an ATFM measure. Currently exists at Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. Operators will be issued a COBT slot time and must adhere. Slots are available from the Australian National Operations Centre (NOC).

South America Chile and Peru have introduced Oceanic Procedures for flights operating within their Antofagasta and Lima Oceanic FIRs, particularly on routes Lima-Santiago and vv. Refer AIC 5/13.

LTAI/Antalya Technical Stops are now accepted during the Winter Period. Previously, AYT did not accept any technical stops due to slot demand.

Russia New requirements for API and PNR data for Airlines operating both scheduled and non-scheduled flights in effect 01DEC. API data should be transmitted 15 mins prior departure to SITA MOWRU8X. NOTAM A2345/13 and AIC 04/13.

Central America. Many operators overlook payment of Navigation invoices in Central America, overdue payment of which is not discovered until a permit is applied for. COCESNA, the agency managing ATC in the region, has reminded operators that flights will not be allowed with overdue balances. The following are contact email addresses for the CAA/DGAC Billing department each country – check that your balance due is nil. Belize: est-belice@cocesna.org. Guatemala: cobrosguatemala@cocesna.org. El Salvador: cobroselsalvador@cocesna.org. Honduras: cobroslamesa@cocesna.org. Nicaragua: cobrosnicaragua@cocesna.org. Costa Rica: cobroscostarica@cocesna.org. Ensure that you apply for a CENAMER Permit (CENAMER Notification) before your flight into any FIR in this region.

Saudi Arabia Any flights landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) with passengers from Jijiga, Ethiopia (HAJJ) will be subject to a fine.

Turkey The DGCA announced on 27NOV that with immediate effect, original insurance certificates are required for overflight as well as landing permits related to scheduled flights. Previously, a PDF copy was accepted for overflights.

India Crews operating Ferry Flights and General Aviation crews can once again secure visas or TLP’s (Temporary Landing Permits) on arrival into Indian airports. In addition, Indian missions and posts abroad have been authorized to grant business visas to crew of private non-revenue and charter flights within three days of the visa application. These visas will be endorsed on their national passport and not on the crew member certificate. These visa processing times also do not apply to crew who are nationals of a PRC country. Visas for these crew members could take as many as 30 days.