EASA Updates ‘Suspect Aircraft’ Guidelines 01JUN EASA has published new guidelines for inspectors to assess which aircraft should be prioritised for SAFA ramp checks in Europe and SAFA compliant states. Read the article.

8th French ATC strike this weekend 01JUN Notification has been given by French ATC Unions of a Three Day Strike this coming weekend from Friday-Monday, starting at 0400Z Friday 03JUN. Read the article.

ZZZZ/China The new 144 hour visa-free rule is extended to Nanjing Lukou Airport of Jiangsu, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport of Zhejiang, and all air, sea and railway ports of Shanghai, including Pudong Airport, Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Wusong Passenger Transport Center and all railway stations in Shanghai.

CYMM/Fort McMurray is scheduled to reopen 10JUN to regular commercial operations. The airport has been closed to normal traffic due to a significant forest fire.

MMAA/Acapulco after an outage lasting several years the ILS for RWY 10/28 is operational again.

KSEA/Seattle has runway 16C/34C closed until 27JUN for repairs. ATC initiatives possible through the construction.

EINN/Shannon and EICK/Cork will be testing a new “Remote Tower” system from 06JUN until September, where at quieter times the controller in Dublin will provide the ATC service to flights at Shannon and Cork. The IAA says airspace users will not notice the change. We think you might.

LFLL/Lyon will be re-numbering their runway to 17/35 from 18/36 in September.

VOTP/Tirupati will begin International operations beginning the end of June with flights to the U.S. The airport had recently upgraded their customs systems and other procedures.

LZZZ/Mediterranean Despite some reports, NATO operations in Libya appear unlikely. There are several new airspace NOTAMs, but is anyone still flying to Libya?

LFZZ/France due to ongoing protests at french oil refineries and fuel shortages the French CAA has advised to tanker in as much fuel as possible to help mitigate any issues. Please check with local handlers for any specific fuel constraints.

SPZZ/Ecuador Volcano Sangay is producing ash that extends up to 20,000 feet. Movement is towards the west at 10 knots. Please check with the Washington VAAC for the latest advisories.

LLBG/Tel Aviv, Israel On 26-27MAY strike action in the form of a work go-slow took place.The slowdown has primarily affected outgoing flights by increasing the time between takeoffs, but it has been reported that if the slowdown continues it will begin to affect incoming flights.

NVZZ/Vanuatu 27MAY a 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck west of Vanuatu. The quake was centered approximately 60 mi/95 km northwest of Port Vila and was measured at a depth of about 6 mi/10 km. No tsunami warning has been issued.

DAZZ/Algeria At 0054 local time (2354 UTC) on 28MAY, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck approximately 35 mi/55 km southeast of Algiers, the capital of Algeria. The epicenter of the earthquake registered a depth of approximately 7 mi/ 12 km. Following the quake, there were no reports of injuries or damage.

FNZZ/Angola A yellow fever outbreak has caused 301 deaths so far this year. The number of suspected cases is 2,536. The outbreak began in Luanda and has since spread to areas throughout the country, particularly along the coast and in the central regions, despite a large-scale vaccination program.

VDPP/Cambodia Political tensions are high in Cambodia following contested national elections in 2013. Arrest warrants have been issued for the leaders of the opposition CNRP party and the situation is unpredictable. On 30 May police blocked roads in southern Phnom Penh to prevent opposition CNRP supporters from carrying out a planned protest march. Further disruption is possible if the remaining leader is arrested. The opposition party has announced it will hold mass, non-violent, demonstrations and a number of unions have said they will strike in support.

LFZZ/France Despite recent strikes, the French government has stated it will not back down from labor reforms despite street protests and refinery blockades. The CGT Union has threatened to disrupt the upcoming Euro 2016 soccer tournament if the government does not back down; however, after meeting with representatives of the oil industry, government officials stated that the situation at fuel depots is improving.

Ramadan starts on 06JUN, for one month. If you are operating to any Islamic countries, expect the usual slowdown in work, longer processing times for permits, and closures.

OEZZ/Saudi FIR Saudi Arabia has intercepted a ballistic missile that was fired from Yemen, after which Saudi aircraft bombarded the missile’s platform. A Saudi official stated that the country may reconsider the kingdom’s truce with Yemen, as a result of the strike. The missile launch was the second strike in May.

RCZZ/Taiwan On 31MAY, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 70 mi/115 km northeast of Taipei. The quake was measured at a depth of about 150 mi/240 km. There were no reports of damage, and no tsunami warning was issued.

UKZZ/Ukraine On 29MAY, attacks by pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine, violating the ceasefire signed in February 2015, killed five Ukrainian military officers and wounded four others. The latest attacks follow a 24 May report released by Ukrainian authorities, stating seven soldiers were killed on that day, making it the deadliest day for Ukrainian forces since August last year.

KZZZ/USA The State Dept has issued a warning to arriving travellers this summer to make sure that they have all necessary documents to enter the United States – there have been multiple changes to the rules this year (see Active Bulletins below for more on this).

View the full International Bulletin 01JUN2016

Notification has been given by French ATC Unions of a Three Day Strike this coming weekend from Friday-Monday, starting at 0400Z Friday 03JUN. This is Strike number 8 this year, and if it goes ahead, promises to be a disruptive one.

As with all previous strikes, reroutes if you are overflying will be important.

Highlights:

Reroutes via Tunisia, Algeria

Tunisia and Algeria regularly open up their airspace to reroutes during French ATC action – and will likely do so again for this strike.

• Tunisia (DTTC FIR): Overflight permit is required (AFTN direct DTTVYAYX)
• Algeria (DAAA FIR): Overflight permit not required during this strike but copy FPL to DAAAZQZX and DTTCZQZX

Reroutes via Shanwick Airspace

Read our earlier post on this: https://ops.group/blog/the-three-sisters-shanwicks-tango-routes/

Cairo airspace – GPS jamming 25MAY Egypt notified operators yesterday that GPS jamming is a concern to HECA/Cairo arrivals and overflights, and warned against conducting RNP/RNAV arrivals or approaches. Read the article.

Australia: new RNP rules (again) 25MAY A last minute relaxation by CASA has exempted Foreign private operators from having to be RNP2 compliant, ahead of many Navaids being switched off on Thursday. Foreign Commercial operators have a two year window to comply. Read the article.

LFZZ/France A French national strike is being called for on 26MAY by the DNSA. French Strike Regulation plan will be applied from 26/0400 UTC to 27/0400 UTC. Monitor NOP.

NTAA/Tahiti may not have fuel available from 25-28MAY due to strike action.

KZMA/Miami FIR A Falcon 9 rocket is set for launch from Cape Canaveral on 26MAY, a 2-hour launch window opens at 2140Z. 27MAY is the back-up day for the launch. Check KZMA/KZJX FIR NOTAM’s for restrictions.

VECF/Kolkata has updated SATCOM and local phone numbers: Kolkata Oceanic is at 441921 or 00870762092876 and Area Control is at 441902 or 00913325119520. The Satcom numbers are routed through the public telephone system.

EBLG/Liege Not available from 1530-2000 due to Staffing issues (which may recur later in the week).

MZZZ/Mexico A new law in Mexico expands the business, tourist and transit visa exemption for up to 180 days to visa nationals with a Canadian, Japanese, Schengen or UK visa, effective immediately, and to visa nationals who are permanent residents of Chile, Colombia or Peru effective July 1. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders, certain airplane crew members remain eligible for this exemption.

MROC/San Jose On 21MAY Mount Turrialba erupted. The volcano is located approximately 30NM west of MROC. Some flights were cancelled in response to the eruption. Please monitor the Washington VAAC for further advisories.

EZZZ/Europe Eurocontrol has confirmed the date of 01JAN18 for all aircraft to be 8.33 kHz compliant. Currently 8.33 kHz is required only above FL195 but as of 01JAN18 it will be required below FL195 to the surface. Europe has an ongoing shortage of voice communication frequencies.

KZZZ/USA The U.S. Department of Transport has banned e-cigarettes from checked airline baggage over fire risks. This includes both passengers and flight crew.

USHH/Khanty-Mansiysk is closed until 30MAY at 1500Z due to the runway being repaired.

FACA/Cape Town FIR CPDLC/ADS-C is not available until 31MAY.

LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR has updated their security procedures for entering the the LLLL FIR. Please see AIC 2/16.

VGEG/Chittagong Flight operations at Chittagong airport have resumed after suspension due to cyclone Roanu.

OPZZ/Pakistan has issued AIC 03/16 covering NAVAID outages due to scheduled maintenance until June.

NZQN/Queenstown New Zealands most challenging airport is now open for night traffic but only for airlines that meet CAA approval to operate to very specific RNP procedures. The first are Air New Zealand and Jetstar.

View the full International Bulletin 25MAY2016

Brazil Airspace changes for Olympics 18MAY A number of airspace changes, and specific procedures for aircrew and ATC, have been created for Brazil in advance of the 2016 Olympic Games, which start on 05AUG. Read the article.

Increase in Fake Nav Charges 18MAY We’ve seen an increasing variety of bogus emails, that at first glance look like they are from Eurocontrol – but aren’t. It’s a concern: instead of sending your Nav Fees payment to Eurocontrol, you’ve actually sent it to a suburb of Lagos. Read the article.

LFZZ/France A French national call to strike is planned for 19MAY. Several public service unions have echoed this call, including USAC-CGT for the DGAC. Please check the NOP Portal for the latest advisories.

BIKF/Keflavik Closures here and in BIRD/Reykjavik Oceanic airspace continue due to ATC Industrial action. Plan all flights to or within Icelandic airspace with caution. Iceland strike continues … Read Full Article.

UIBB/Bratsk has multiple new restrictions of ATC hours, RFF categories, and availability as alternate. Check A1923.

PLCH/Christmas Island will not supply JetA1 to non-scheduled flights, shortage until 26MAY. Landing permits are now required at least three days prior, and can be obtained via email at cal02@mcttd.gov.ki.

EGLL/London Heathrow will have an emergency exercise on 21MAY. If you see smoke or fire, it’s most likely from there.

N90/New York Airports The FAA has withdrawn its proposed slot program which was extremely restrictive to non-scheduled operators. The FAA is withdrawing the NPRM to allow for further evaluation of these changes.

KZZZ/United States the FAA has updated it’s list of Critical DME’s. When these critical DME’s are not available, it results in navigation service which is not sufficient for DME/DME/IRU operations along all or portions of a specific route or procedure. This is mainly an issue for Non-GPS equipped aircraft.

CYUL/Montreal has added a new International wing to the terminal as of 12MAY. The 65,620-square-foot expansion includes 8,611 square feet of additional retail space and six new boarding gates.

SOOO/Cayenne FIR issued NOTAM A0141/16 advising that the due to the SOCA CPDLC system trail, datalink connection may be lost. If unable to communicate by CPDLC then they advise to contact SOOO or SOCA VIA normal HF frequencies until 24JUN.

North Atlantic The London Met Office has issued it’s North Atlantic tropical storm seasonal forecast for 2016.

EZZZ/Europe an annual large scale military exercise called “NATO Tiger Meet 2016” will be held from 16MAY to 27MAY in Spain. NOTAMs LE D1109/16 and D1272/16 have been issued along with a map detailing the area.

LOWW/Vienna has introduced 2 new RNP(AR) approaches RNAV (RNP) N RWY 16 and RNAV (RNP) E RWY 16. The Austrian AIS has issued AIC A 5/16 covering the additions.

LKPR/Prague officials stated that they are working to assess the security at LKPR as they begin to implement the government’s security recommendations. The measures, including face recognition technology, should be fully introduced within 12 to 18 months. Security has increased in response to the attacks in Brussels. Heavily armed soldiers continue to patrol LKPR.

Arabian Peninsula on 11MAY the Centre for Disease Control CDC issued an Alert Level 2 for MERS in the Arabian Peninsula.

NZZC/Christchurch FIR has issued NOTAM B2740/16 advising of recent activity for Volcano Mount Ruapehu. No current eruption but concern for increased likelihood of eruption exists.

FHSH/St. Helena has received its certification to begin commercial flight operations. An 1850 meter runway, a 3500 sq m airport terminal and other associated infrastructure, such as access roads, bulk fuel installations, water supplies and aerodrome ground lighting have been installed and are ready for operational use. However – concerns remain about windshear which is currently delaying acceptance of traffic.

HKZZ/Kenya The U.S filed an advisory with IATA stating that Kenyan airspace is unsafe due to a possibility of extremist or militant activity within Kenyan airspace as Al Shabaab has demonstrated the capability and intent to conduct terrorist attacks in Kenya targeting, among others, US/Western interests including aviation interests.

EGPX/Scottish Scottish Control is changing to a new ATC system this week: expect airspace restrictions. ATC advises a fundamental level of change in the method of operation within Scottish Upper Airspace will result. There is no change to the Oceanic Operation, and Domestic CPDLC will be available at all times from 17MAY.

CYMM/Fort McMurray, Canada remains closed due to Forest Fires; only emergency and evacuation flights are allowed.

EHZZ/Amsterdam FIR The Netherlands has revised procedures for obtaining Special Permission for overflying or landing aircraft on delivery, ferry flights, or other circumstances where a normal Certificate of Airworthiness is not in place. Read the article. Questions should be directed to our ferry team at service@fsbureau.org.

View the full International Bulletin 18MAY2016

US and Canada may lose EU visa rights 13APR The European Commission published warning on 12APR that visa-free travel by US and Canadian citizens to Europe is at risk, due to the lack of a full reciprocal arrangement for EU citizens. Read the full article.

More Free Route Airspace for Northern Europe 13APR Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia and Latvia will be increasing free route airspace from 23JUN16. This allows operators to utilize User Preferred Routes above FL285. Details of the implementation can be found through the AIC A3/2016 from Sweden.

RKSS/Gimpo is set to open South Korea’s first purpose-built FBO next month. It includes a passenger terminal with customs and a large hangar that can accommodate up to eight large jets. The FBO is a partnership between Korea Airport Crop and Avjet Asia.

EBBR/Brussels Controversial ATC Strike occurred without notice yesterday 12APR, restricting traffic at EBBR and in Belgian Airspace. Eurocontrol advises 4 of 6 sectors operational Wednesday 13APR, at this stage no significant further effect likely.

KZZZ/USA New security measures in the U.S. are being enacted in response to the Brussels Airport Bombings. The Senate voted to increase the vetting of airport workers, expand the number of TSA viper teams that sweep through airports unannounced to stop and search suspicious people, and double the number of TSA’s bomb-sniffing dogs. Also, local law enforcement may also conduct random checks of cars and taxis heading towards the airport.

KZZZ/USA the FAA has provided its NextGEN update for 2016. It highlights all the completed items along with the expected achievements for the year. You can find all the info through the NextGEN website.

EZZZ/Europe as of 05APR Eurocontrol as been publishing Target Time information together with Calculated Take-off time (CTOT) in the Slot Allocation and Slot Revisions Messages (SAM and SRM). The purpose of the initiative is to provide flight crew with operational awareness of their flight’s planned time at the congestion point in the air, rather than solely providing the corresponding delayed departure time (CTOT) to implement ATFM measures.

EGZZ/United Kingdom A large scale military exercise named ‘Joint Warrior 16-1’ has been taking place since 09APR16 and will last until 22APR06. EGPX and EGTT FIR/UIRs are affected. However, low to medium impact on airline operations is expected.

LFZZ/France beginning 03MAY16 France will be implementing CPDLC services within LFFF, LFEE, LFRR, LFMM and LFBB FIR’s. The full details of the IOC can be found in AIC 10/16.

EGGX/Shanwick OCA implemented a trail of 5 minute separation minimum between aircraft which are following the same track, irrespective of whether they are East or Westbound. Full details can be found through AIC Y 022/2016.

LOWW/Vienna every weekend until 24MAY16 LOWW will be operating under single runway ops beginning 2100 on the Friday until 1600 on the Sunday. The closures are weather dependent and the closure will be recalled if the forecast calls for the use of runway 11/29. In any single runway scenario use at Vienna delays are a guarantee.

OEZZ/Saudi Arabia The U.S. State department updated a travel warning to Saudi Arabia on 11APR16. It outlines the risk to travellers due to an increased risk with the threat of terrorism.

SKZZ/Colombia The U.S. State department has updated the travel warning to Colombia. They have actually improved the travel warning as the security in the country has improved significantly in recent years. Foreigners should still exercise caution though.

LTCC/Diyarbakir is now able to handle international flights due to a new terminal building that has opened.

OLBA/Beirut two airport employees were detained on suspicion of terrorist activity involvement on 08APR16. Traces of explosives and a handgun were found on the two individuals.

DIAP/Cote D’Ivoire has reduced the passenger departure tax by 50% and have also removed the solidarity contribution tax levied on airline tickets.

GABS/Mali began renovations last month (MAR16) to increase the airports capacity to handle 1.5 million passengers which is up from the 800,000 annual passenger traffic. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

View the full International Bulletin for 13APR2016

MHTG ‘Interesting Approaches’ to end 06APR MHTG/Tegucigalpa Dangerous approaches at MHTG will be consigned to history, as a new airport was finally confirmed at the weekend by the Honduran government. Read the full article.

Greeks or Italians? ATC strikes this week 06APR There will be an ATC strike this week in Europe, maybe by Greece, maybe by Italy, maybe by both. These strikes are often cancelled shortly before starting, but at this pre-planning stage, it seems likely to go ahead. Read the full article.

EBBR/Brussels has now reopened but operations are still very restricted. The airport is not expected to be fully operational until June or July by current estimates. The airport authority has instituted new security measures that include a requirement for passengers to arrive 3 hours prior to their departure time. The terminal is still closed to busses and trains. Slots must still be requested from the Brussels Airport Authority if you intend to operate in or out of EBBR.

ZKPY/Pyongyang FIR Many reports that North Korea is jamming GPS signals, also reported by South Korea RKRR NOTAM A0450/16. Signals have been reported as unreliable or lost when operating in or near to North Korean airspace. Exercise caution if you rely on GPS in those areas. Read our DPRK Overflight Risk article from a few weeks ago.

LIZZ/Italy Eurocontrol has confirmed an Italian ATC strike is set for April 9th. NOTAMS A2062/16A2 and A2063/16A2 have been issued covering the proposed strike.

MHTG/Tegucigalpa Dangerous approaches at MHTG will be consigned to history, as a new airport was finally confirmed at the weekend by the Honduran government. Full article here.

LFXX/France an Operational Trial of CPDLC Services in French Airspace of Reims (LFEE), Paris (LFFF) and Marseille (LFMM) ACC will be in effect from 05APR to 11APR.

EZZZ/Europe The U.S. State Department along with numerous other countries have issued a Europe wide travel warning in response to the attack in Brussels. While extra vigilance should be exercised it is also a very generic response to a threat that has yet to be fully understood from a commercial aviation perspective. If you would like to be kept up to date on specific travel alerts from the U.S. State Department you can sign up through their STEP program.

EHAM/Amsterdam reports of near misses with drones have recently been reported by crews. The location of the near misses was on the approach path but no specific runway was mentioned.

KEWR/Newark The FAA will be increasing the number of available slots to EWR, available at the end of October. The change is in response to the improved efficiency of the airport and the ability to increase the ATC arrival rate.

FAA/United States has issued Advisory Circular 00-30C. It describes the various types of CAT (Clear Air Turbulence) along with avoidance techniques and possible future forecast systems for helping Dispatchers and Pilots in the planning stages.

KZZZ/USA Check your passport! Effective 01APR16, if you’re travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you will also need to have a valid e-Passport along with your ESTA.

CZVR/Vancouver ACC will begin to use ADS-C on 18APR In their Oceanic sectors, for both alerting service (SAR) and improved ATC separation purposes.

UDDD/Yerevan FIR Due to Air Defence activity ATC route segments with Yerevan FIR
Crossing FIR boundary points MATAL, ELSIV, PEMAN and VETEN between Yerevan FIR and Baku FIR are not available.

UBBA/Baku FIR Entry/Exit points VETEN, PEMAN, ELSIV, MATAL are closed.
Baku FIR Entry/Exit points BARAD, DISKA closed from GND to FL305. NOTAMS A0030/16 and A0032/16 have been issued as well.

UHSS/Yuzhno will be closed daily 10APR-14MAY between the hours of 12-21Z.

OMZZ/United Arab Emirates will begin charging a $9.50 USD Passenger Tax effective 30JUN, to be imposed on all travellers over the age of 2 through all airports including those only transiting the UAE. A driving factor in this new charge appears to be low oil prices affecting the Gulf States.

UUZZ/Russia has stated that aviation authorities are intensifying its ramp inspections of all aircraft (especially foreign aircraft, we guess) in the wake of the Rostov accident.

FZZZ/Nigeria The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has stated that steps are currently being taken to end the countries fuel shortage, but may take upwards of 2 months. We suggest to check with local handlers for the availability aviation fuel supply until the issue is resolved.

VNKT/Kathmandu We have received some reports that VNKT ATC weather reports are inaccurate, especially regarding visibility. Any feedback please let us know.

VIAR/Amritsar has suspended all night operations for 1 year due to the planned reconstruction of the airports runways.

View the full International Bulletin for 06APR2016

Pavlof Eruption wreaking havoc 30MAR16 Volcano Pavlof erupted on Sunday and is currently on aviation colour code ‘RED’. It has caused havoc for North Pacific, Alaskan and Northern Canadian operations. The latest predictions have the ash upwards of FL400 and extending over Northern Alaska and Canada. You can find the latest information through the Alaskan VAAC.

Brussels Airport remains closed 30MAR16 EBBR is still closed with the possibility of opening later this week. Currently all commercial flights are still prohibited from operating into EBBR. Only ferry, emergency, SAR, State, general aviation and cargo flights are authorized with a slot that can be coordinated through the Belgium Slot Coordination website.

EZZZ/Europe The U.S. State Department along with numerous other countries have issued a Europe wide travel warning in response to the attack in Brussels. While extra vigilance should be exercised it is also a very generic response to a threat that has yet to fully understood from a commercial aviation perspective. If you would like to be kept up to date on specific travel alerts from the U.S. State Department you can sign up through their STEP program.

FAA/United States there have been 583 reported hazards from Aug 22/2015-Jan 31/2015 between aircraft and Drones. None of these incidents have caused any collisions or damage but extra vigilance must be exercised until the FAA can regulate the use of these drones in the terminal areas.

RPHI/Manila has issued an advisory for aircraft operating in the vicinity of the Bulusan Volcano and the Kanlaon Volcano due to an alert level 1 of activity. Flights operating in the vicinity are advised to avoid flying close to the summit.

LFXX/France a general strike has been declared for March 31st. Possible impact to airline operations. Please make sure you check with Eurocontrol or FIR NOTAMs for further restrictions.

FXXX/Nigeria The NNPC or Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has stated that steps are currently being taken to end the countries fuel shortage but may take upwards up 2 months. Please check with local handlers for the availability aviation fuel supply until the issue is resolved.

LXXX/Turkey has issued a nationwide terror alert and the Israeli Counter-Terrorism Bureau has advised for all of it’s citizens to leave the country. Extra vigilance should be exercised if operating to and from Turkey for the foreseeable future.

UXXX/Russia has stated that aviation authorities are intensifying it’s inspections of aircraft from Russian and International budget carriers in wake of the Rostov-on-Don accident.

DGAC/Ghana FIR issued NOTAM A0128/16 due to VHF freq 130.9 being not reliable for all Oceanic traffic entering ACCRA FIR from the South East due to maintenance. All traffic must contact ACCRA on HF 8903KHZ or logon to ADS-C/CPDC “DGAC” until positive VHF contact is established.

VNKT/Katmandu There have been a few reports that the Tower at VNKT has been reporting erroneous weather to pilots. One example of such a report  was “Tower informed us that there was some 3 km of visibility this morning but it to be less than 1.5 km while Kathmandu was engulfed by haze”. If you encounter any issues while operating into VNKT please send us a note to bulletins@fsbureau.org.

VIAR/Amritsar has suspended all night operations for 1 year due to the planned reconstruction of the airports runways.

VTBD/Bangkok Officials approved an expansion that will allow for more aircraft, passengers and vehicle parking. The plan also includes provisions to cut landing fees during off-peak hours at VTBD and VTBS in an effort to increase usage of both airports. The project includes plans to extend the runway, add office buildings, and create additional parking zones for aircraft. The expansion is expected to be completed in 2025.

Angola The Ministry of Health in Angola has reported an ongoing outbreak of yellow fever in Luanda Province. The government of Angola requires all travelers older than 9 months to show proof of yellow fever vaccination on arrival. The CDC has a ‘Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions’ advisory in place.

FAA/United States has issued Advisory Circular 00-30C. It describes the various types of CAT (Clear Air Turbulence) along with avoidance techniques and possible future forecast systems for helping Dispatchers and Pilots in the planning stages for proactive flight planning.

View the full International Bulletin for 30MAR2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View the full International Operations Bulletin for 16NOV2015

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.