Update 7 March: Freddy has passed over Madagascar and initially deintensified, but with the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel feeding him, he is growing again. He is expected to reach category 2 levels with winds over 90knot. Landfall over Mozambique is forecast on March 11. The west coast of Madagascar, and the coastal regions of Mozambique, including FQMA/Maputo will see some bad weather for the next few days.

Update 21 February: Freddy is decreasing to a category 1 hurricane with wind speeds between 80-85knots. It is due to make landfall over Madagascar in the afternoon of Feb 21.

We don’t often post about tropical storms unless they are monumental and expected to cause a severe level of disruption and damage.

Freddy is fairly big, and it’s a Friday, so I figured I would give him his 10 minutes of fame.

Just how big?

He is currently a Category 4 hurricane which means his wind speeds are topping 120 knots. The likes of Hurricane Katrina reached Category 5 levels (although she was only a 3 when she made landfall). Hurricane Harvey was a 4 when he hit Texas in 2017.

So Freddy is big, and Freddy is bad. But Freddy is also, currently, still swirling about the Indian Ocean and nothing more than a blob on your SigWx chart that you might detour around slightly.

Where is Freddy heading?

Freddy is heading west, towards Mauritius and Madagascar.

He will reach the Port Louis area in the next 2 days, and is forecast to have de-intensified to a Category 3, with wind speeds around 110 knots. The following airports will likely experience severe weather conditions as the storm passes:

• FIMP/Sir Seewoosaur Ramgoolam (Port Louis)
• FMEE/Roland Garros (Reunion)

Landfall is forecast around Feb 22, south of FMMI/Ivato (Antananarivo) Madagascar.

Forecast track. Source: Cyclocane

How much disruption is expected?

When Freddy makes landfall he is expected to have reduced to a Category 2 hurricane, with winds around 90 knots. However, the region lacks good infrastructure and damage may be increased because of this.

The airports in this area are relatively remote, island airports, with few diversion options (particularly if the weather is hammering them all) so plan that fuel and those alternates accordingly if you are in the region over the next few days.

Follow Freddy

You can track Freddy here.

We also recommend staying in contact with handling agents and confirming conditions with them prior to operating. Here are two contact suggestions in case you need:

• General Aviation Mauritius, FIMP: ops.mru@yulounge.com / +230 603 6666
• General Aviation Service, FMMI: info@gasaviation.com / +255 743 775 439

Earthquakes: Japan, Ecuador 20APR Two large earthquakes struck Japan and Ecuador in the past week, with a longer term impact on International Flight Ops. RJFT/Kumamoto and SEMT/Manta are both closed UFN. Read full article.

South America – New Timezone 20APR In an unusual move, a new time zone will take effect in South America from the 1st of May. As part of a measure to battle an energy crisis in Venezuela, the entire country will change timezone from UTC -4h30 to UTC-5, to ensure more daylight in the evening when energy consumption peaks. Read full article.

EGLL/London Heathrow An A320 was struck by a drone on approach to LHR on 17APR. This is the first incident of its kind, though there have been many close calls to date.

FMZZ/Madagascar Cyclone Fanatala is currently north of Madagascar, the equivalent of a Category 5 Hurricane. It is expected to miss the island nation and the main airport of FMMI but the close proximity of the cyclone to the island may cause flight disruptions.

BIKF/Keflavik beginning 01MAY, BIKF will be imposing a new Terminal Navigation Charge. This charge is to be applied to all flights arriving at BIKF. The airport authority has issued an Air Navigation Chargedocument to assist in determining the impact of the new fee.

LTZZ/Turkey. We’ve been alerted to a change in Overflight Requirements – aircraft with M- and VP- registrations, and any other countries without a bilateral agreement, require an Overflight Permit. See the new Turkey Lowdown for full information.

TIZZ/U.S. Virgin Islands authorities, assisted by the FBI, began investigating reports of a plot to attack airports on the Virgin Islands, notably the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (Beef Island Airport). The U.S. Coast Guard first received information of a terrorist attack plot circulating on social media. The threat focused on Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport but also mentioned airports on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John as possible targets. No information is available on what level of credibility authorities attach to these threats.

EBBR/Brussels A recent report from the Brussels Airport CEO has stated that EBBR will be 100% operational by the beginning of June.

EDNY/Friedrichshafen will be hosting the AERO 2016 exhibition from 20APR to 23APR. There is an expected increase in IFR traffic to the airport during the event. Please refer to NOTAM C0933/16 for further details.

LCCC/Nicosia FIR due to a Russian Navy Exercise and rocket test firings in the Mediterranean Sea, there are NOTAM’d route closures for W/UW17 from BALMA-NIKAS, R/UR78 and M/UM978 daily from 0500-1500Z on 21APR and 22APR. The NOTAMS covering the closure are A0308/16 and A0310/16.

SBZZ/Brazil The Canadian government has issued a helpful health notice for crew/passengers planning to travel to Brazil for the upcoming Olympic Games, which has advice on how to contend with the Zika virus.

MGZZ/Guatemala Volcano Santa Maria has had some recent high level ash dispersed into the atmosphere up to FL250. The Washington VAAC provides advisories and forecasts.

ZBAA/Beijing is not available for Non-Emergency diversions or planned as an alternate due to gate/stand shortage daily from 13-23Z daily until 28OCT16.

VIZZ/India The Government of India has introduced the e-TOURIST VISA (eTV) scheme for UK nationals travelling to India. All guests travelling under this scheme must carry a printed copy of the approved eTV for verification at the check-in counter prior to boarding.

WSZZ/Singapore the CAAS has issued 2 AIP supplements outlining the upcoming military exercise Bersama Shield 16. AIP SUP 40-16 covers Kuala Lumpur and Singapore FIR airspace restrictions and AIP SUP 41-16 covers additional Singapore FIR airspace restrictions. The exercise will be running from 21APR to 28APR.

HSZZ/South Sudan The UK FCO has issued a travel warning against travel to South Sudan and in particular to Juba due to the return of the First Vice President as “tensions and disturbances” may increase across the country in the coming weeks.

FNZZ/Angola The CDC has upgraded the yellow fever in Luanda Province to an Alert Level 2. The government of Angola requires all travellers older than 9 months to show proof of yellow fever vaccination on arrival. In addition, CDC recommends that all travellers aged 9 months or older be vaccinated against yellow fever.

DNMM/Lagos a new protocol issued by customs and immigration officials is causing congestion in the arrival hall. There are 2 forms being given to passengers only once they enter the arrival processing area. Please ask your handler if these forms can be provided ahead of time.

View the full International Bulletin for 20APR2016

Chinese Airport Delays 03FEB ZXXX/China This is the busiest travel week of the year in China, with millions travelling for the Chinese New Year on 08FEB. Winter storms are forecast to impose delays across central Chinese airports; those currently affected include ZWWW/Urumqi Diwopu, ZSNJ/Nanjing Lukou, ZGGG/Guangzhou, and ZHHH/Wuhan Tianhe.

Eurocontrol NOP Changes 03FEB There are some significant changes to the daily Eurocontrol Briefings effective this week. Network News is no longer, and the D-1 daily conference is also gone. Instead, an Initial Network Plan is published each day at 1700Z on the Network Operations Portal.

TTxx/Trinidad and Tobago The annual Carnival in Port of Spain will take place on 08-09FEB . Travel and tourism activities are expected to continue for up to two weeks after the celebration and will be busiest during weekends. 10FEB (Ash Wednesday) is expected to be the busiest day of the year at the Port of Spain airport.

EISN/Shannon FIR Correction ** Due to a number of flights deviating from clearances prior to exiting Shanwick OCA, flight crews are reminded that Eastbound route clearances issued by Shannon Control for aircraft exiting Oceanic Airspace apply from AGORI, SUNOT, BILTO, PIKIL, ETARI, RESNO, VENER, DOGAL, NEBIN, MALOT, TOBOR, LIMRI, ADARA, DINIM, RODEL, SOMAX, KOGAD, BEDRA, OMOKO, TAMEL AND LASNO. Flights shall not turn before these points. In other words: wait until you enter (** Thank you to Shannon ATC for pointing out the error in last weeks bulletin).

North Atlantic Effective 04FEB MNPS Airspace is replaced by HLA/High Level Airspace on the North Atlantic – extended with Bodø joining Shanwick, Gander, Reykjavik, New York, and Santa Maria. RNP4 or RNP10 now required. Read our International Ops Notice 01/2016 or our blog post: Did you know MNPS is over?

Eurocontrol NOP Changes There are some significant changes to the daily Eurocontrol Briefings effective 01FEB. Network News is no longer, and the D-1 daily conference is also gone. Instead, an Initial Network Plan is published each day at 1700Z on the Network Operations Portal.

FMMM/Madagascar CAA have issued a reminder to inbound operators that a Passenger List must be sent 24 hrs prior to departure for Madagascar, by email to gdpx@acm.mg.

MKJK/Kingston FIR Jamaica, has ongoing issues with radar coverage and serviceability, leading to ad-hoc flow management procedures including 15 minute en-route separation, and 10 minute arrival separation at international airports. Delays appear likely. Reports welcome to bulletin@fsbureau.org.

FHAW/Ascension Island is now operating at Rescue and Firefighting Category 8/RFF8.

United Kingdom Last week the UK Registered Traveller Service, which is the equivalent of the US Global Entry program, was expanded to include a few more countries: Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Additionally, Bristol and Cardiff will be added to the list of participating airports.

MUXX/Cuba Flight crews of US based aircraft can now remain in Cuba with their aircraft when traveling to the island nation, instead of having to reposition immediately after offloading passengers. The change took effect on 27JAN, with new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations and Export Administration Regulations issued by the U.S. OFAC and BIS.

NCRG/Rarotonga, Cook Islands has new hours of ATC service: 2050 SUN-0400 MON, 1500 MON-1930 MON, 0530 WED-1400 WED, 2100 THU-1000 FRI, 2100 FRI-1000 SAT, 1400 SAT-1930 SAT, 0600 SUN-1130 SUN. These are UTC/Z Times, local is UTC-10. Raro is an important diversion airport in the South Pacific, especially for Easter Island and Tahiti. ATC is avail with 30 mins PN outside these hours (call +682 25890/71439).

EHAM/Amsterdam has raised the minimum vectoring altitude from 1200ft to 1600ft, which seems to spell an end to those super efficient 3 mile final approaches to 06. Still the best Terminal ATC in Europe.

Europe EASA has launched a 2 person cockpit survey to open discussion on the impact of their new recommended practice of always having 2 crew members in the cockpit.

PKMJ/Majuro, Marshall Islands – ExxonMobil will have no fuel during tanker replenishment, scheduled for 13-17FEB.

ZXXX/China This is the busiest travel week of the year in China, with millions travelling for the Chinese New Year on 08FEB. Winter storms are forecast to impose delays across central Chinese airports; those currently affected include ZWWW/Urumqi Diwopu Int’l, ZSNJ/Nanjing Lukou Int’l, ZGGG/Guangzhou, and ZHHH/Wuhan Tianhe.

ENGM/Oslo Oslo Airport has started supplying Air BP Biojet via its regular fuel hydrant system, naming three large European airlines as launch customers. It is now is supplied from the main fuel farm, via common storage and distribution facilities, without the need for segregated infrastructure. Previously, it had to be provided by fuel truck.

DNKK/Kano ACC Nigeria, Area Radar Service is provided H24 from 04FEB.

View the full International Bulletin 03FEB2016

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain ban flights from Iran 11JAN Bahraini and Saudi Civil aviation have banned flights between Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Bahraini Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) stated that it will work to resolve any disruptions as a result of the ban. Bahrain previously cut diplomatic relations with Iran, following the attack on the Saudi Embassy in Tehran.

New US Visa Waiver Restrictions 11JAN Several changes to the rules for the US Visa Waiver program are now in effect, restricting the moment of travelers having visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria in the last 5 years. Read more …

NFFN/Fiji A report released by the Disaster Management Office on 4 January 2016 stated that Cyclone Ula caused minor damage to Fiji. While the storm blew away iron roofs in Ono-i-Lau and Kabara islands, it did not cause significant structural damage or loss of life.

SBxx/Brazil Tourists from Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States will be eligible to travel to Brazil for the upcoming Olympics without a visa for up to 90 days for visits between 01JUN and 18SEP16, though no extensions will be available. Proof of Olympic attendance is not required for this visa waiver. Business travelers from these countries will still require business visas during this time. Eligible travelers should be sure to confirm the validity of their travel documents prior to their trips. After 18SEP, tourists from these countries will require tourist visas for entry.

LFLL/Lyon Due to industrial strike affecting fuel providers at LFLL (Lyon Airport). Aircraft Operators have been asked to tanker in enough fuel for a round trip. LFLL Airport can also not be used as alternate until 12JAN.

Cxxx/Canada Nav Canada has issued AIC 3/16 advising of a pending change to the credit that may be taken at alternate aerodromes for lateral navigation/vertical navigation (LNAV/VNAV) minima, when the aircraft is certified for barometric LNAV/VNAV.

KPHX/Phoenix Possible arrival and departure delays are expected on 12JAN due to extra passenger volume the day after the Alabama and Clemson football game. The airport expects an extra 30,000 departing passengers that day, boosting the total number of passengers to 150,000. In addition to regularly scheduled flights, at least 14 charter flights will depart.

Kxxx/Southern California SpaceX has scheduled a launch for Jan. 17. This launch will take off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Please check local NOTAMs with KZLA (SOCAL) and KZOA (Oakland Oceanic) for any airspace closures.

Zxxx/China Chinese officials stated that they will allow departing flights to transit via Taiwan. Aviation officials will allow flights departing from Chongqing, Nanchang and Kunming to transit through Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport (RCTP/TPE).

Fxxx/Madagascar On 7 January 2016, Malagasy health officials reported statistics in an ongoing outbreak of the bubonic plague. Reports indicate that 63 fatalities and a total of 174 cases have been recorded since August 2015. Madagascar first alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) to this outbreak in September. A previous outbreak in 2014, which lasted until early 2015, resulted in 335 cases and 79 fatalities.

Dxxx/Nigeria The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has lifted the suspension it recently imposed on Acorn Petroleum Limited from supplying aviation fuel to domestic and foreign airlines at airports in the country. NCAA had suspended Acorn and four other oil marketing companies from supplying aviation fuel to local and foreign airlines operating in the country.

Vxxx/India The Indian government has approved a Memorandum of Understanding on Civil Aviation between India and Singapore.

View the full International Operations Bulletin 11JAN2016