With the United States seeing new hotspots for Covid-19 cropping up, varying forms of restrictions have been implemented by the individual states. Restrictions imposed at the state level are below, and also include links that may be helpful. States in red text have stronger regulations than the standard ‘mask and social distancing’ and are worth a closer look. All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of 28 July 2020. 

However, here are a few things to keep in mind regardless of where you plan to fly:

• Always check all NOTAMs and relevant publications before flying
• Consider fuel levels and alternates in light of unexpected ATC closures/restrictions
• Follow CDC and state/local government guidance – this may include masks, gloves, Covid-19 testing, and cleaning/disinfection regimes
• Check with your handler or airport representative to verify that city or county government regulations do not differ from the state regulations, and to confirm availability of services at the airport
• Aviation is considered an essential business by the U.S. Federal Government, but some states may not have explicitly named it as such in their regulations. 

However, keep in mind that U.S. federal regulations still restricts international travel into the U.S. for those who are not citizens or permanent residents. There’s a long list of countries where passengers are not allowed to have travelled to within the past 14 days if they want to enter the US. This includes the European Schengen area, the UK and Ireland, mainland China, Iran, and Brazil. Passengers who have been in one of these countries in the past 14 days but who are exempt from the restriction to enter the US (i.e. they are US residents or family members), are only able to land at one of 15 airports: ATL, BOS, ORD, DFW, DTW, HNL, LAX, MIA, JFK, EWR, SFO, SEA, IAD, FLL and IAH. More information can be found on the Centres for Disease Control website. 

Alabama:

• All individuals are required to wear a mask when within six feet of a person from another household.
• Social distancing of six feet is also required between members of different households. 
• https://covid19.alabama.gov/

Alaska:

• All travellers from outside Alaska must fill out a declaration form, and present results of a negative Covid-19 PCR test from within the last 72 hours. If your test results are from the previous five days, you must be tested again on arrival.
• In either case, those remaining in Alaska must also take another PCR test 7-14 days after arrival.
• There is no mandate to wear a mask or social distance, but it is strongly encouraged. 
• Alaska has a large number of remote settlements that may not have a robust healthcare system, and as a result may have instated stronger regulations – check local resources.
• https://covid19.alaska.gov/

Arizona:

• There is no statewide mandate to wear a mask or social distance, but it is strongly encouraged. 
• Phoenix (Maricopa County), Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, Tempe, and a host of other cities have enforced masks/face covering requirements – check local resources. 
• http://azhealth.gov/COVID19

Arkansas:

• There is a statewide mandate requiring masks/face coverings to be worn in indoor public areas, and in outdoor areas where social distancing cannot be guaranteed.  
• https://govstatus.egov.com/ar-covid-19

California:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://covid19.ca.gov/

Colorado:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://covid19.colorado.gov/

Connecticut:

• Visitors to Connecticut from certain high risk states are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and fill out this form. The states are: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
• Face coverings are required in all public areas where social distancing cannot be maintained.
• https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus

Delaware:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/

District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.): 

• Masks are required in public areas and social distancing is encouraged.
• Those who have participated in non-essential travel to/from high risk states must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. The states are: Arkansas, Arizona, Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin.
• https://coronavirus.dc.gov/

Florida:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering requirement, but many individual cities and counties have one in place – this site lists them.
• Visitors from the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) must isolate for 14 days upon arrival. 
• Florida is emerging as a hotspot, and many local authorities are rolling back plans to open businesses as a result – check with local contacts for the most up to date information.
• https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/

Georgia:

• Usage of masks/face coverings is strongly encouraged, but not mandated. Certain cities, including Atlanta, have mandated the use of face coverings. Social distancing is also encouraged. 
• https://georgia.gov/covid-19-coronavirus-georgia

Hawaii:

• All interstate travellers must quarantine for 14 days on arrival in Hawaii, although this may be avoided from September 1 through the presentation of a negative PCR test from the preceding 72 hours. 
• Inter-island travellers must fill out this form.
• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://hawaiicovid19.com/

Idaho:

• Ada County, which includes Boise, is encouraging a 14 day quarantine for those entering the area. Other counties are further along in their reopening plans and do not request a quarantine. 
• Some counties are requiring the usage of masks/face coverings and others only encourage them. Social distancing is still encouraged. 
• https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/

Illinois:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• Travelers from the following states should quarantine upon arrival in Chicago: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. Effective Friday, July 31, travelers from Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and North Dakota will also be directed to quarantine.
• https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/

Indiana:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/ 

Iowa:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering mandate, but Johnson County (which includes Iowa City) has a mask mandate in place. The state government is encouraging the wearing of masks and social distancing.
• https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus

Kansas:

• There is a statewide face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• Those who have travelled to/from Florida will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Kansas. The same applies to anyone arriving from China, Iran, the European Schengen area, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Brazil, and anyone returning from a cruise ship. 
• https://covid.ks.gov/

Kentucky:

• There is a statewide face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged. 
• Individuals who have travelled to/from Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, and Puerto Rico are advised to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Kentucky. 
• https://govstatus.egov.com/kycovid19

Louisiana:

• There is a statewide face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged. Local areas have the ability to opt out of the mask mandate if they meet certain criteria.
• http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/

Maine:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• Only those residents of Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey can enter the state without restriction. All others must have a negative test result or must quarantine for 14 days – and must sign a Certificate of Compliance which is necessary to check-in to lodging in Maine. 
• Maine residents who visit one of the five exempted states may return without restriction, but visits to any other states are still subject to testing and/or quarantine upon return. 
• https://www.maine.gov/covid19/

Maryland:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place for public areas, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://www.visitmaryland.org/article/travel-alerts

Massachusetts:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• All those entering the state must complete the Massachusetts Travel Form and quarantine, unless coming from a low-risk state or able to present a negative test result from the preceding 72 hours. Low-risk states are Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Hawaii, Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont. 
• https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information

Michigan:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged. Businesses may deny entry to those not wearing face coverings. 
• https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/

Minnesota:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html

Mississippi:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,420.html

Missouri:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering requirement, but many individual cities and counties have one in place – this site lists them.
• https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/

Montana:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place for counties with more than four active cases – 25 counties currently meet the criteria. Social distancing is encouraged.
• The state also includes multiple areas of tribal land governed by local councils – check local resources to see what rules may apply. 
• https://www.visitmt.com/montana-aware

Nebraska:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering requirement, but many individual cities and counties have one in place, including Omaha. 
• http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx

Nevada:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/

New Hampshire:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering mandate, but the use of them is encouraged along with social distancing. 
• Those travelling into the state from outside the New England area are encouraged to quarantine for 14 days. 
• https://www.nh.gov/covid19/

New Jersey:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• Travellers from high-risk states are asked to voluntarily quarantine for 14 days, and provide contact information. States include Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. 
• https://covid19.nj.gov/

New Mexico:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• All out of state travellers are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
• https://cv.nmhealth.org/

New York:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• Those who have spent more than 24 hours in a high-risk state must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. The states include Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
• Those arriving at New York area airports will be required to fill in a Health Department traveller form. 
• https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

North Carolina:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://www.nc.gov/covid19

North Dakota:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering mandate, but the use of them is encouraged along with social distancing. 
• https://ndresponse.gov/covid-19-resources

Ohio:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• Travellers from high-risk states are asked to voluntarily quarantine for 14 days. States include Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina and Texas.
• https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/

Oklahoma:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering requirement, but many individual cities and counties have one in place, including Oklahoma City. 
• https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/

Oregon:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/

Pennsylvania:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• Travellers from high-risk states are asked to voluntarily quarantine for 14 days. States include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.
• https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

Rhode Island:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• Travellers from high-risk states are asked to voluntarily quarantine for 14 days, although this can be avoided with a negative test result from the preceding 72 hours. States include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Visitors from Puerto Rico must also quarantine.
• https://health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019/testindex.php

South Carolina:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering requirement, but many individual cities and counties have one in place – this article lists them.
• The state also recommends those who have come from an area of widespread community transmission voluntarily quarantine for 14 days.
• https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

South Dakota:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering requirement, and social distancing is encouraged. 
• The state also includes multiple areas of tribal land governed by local councils – check local resources to see what rules may apply. 
• https://covid.sd.gov/

Tennessee:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering requirement, but many individual cities and counties have one in place – this site lists them.
• https://www.tn.gov/governor/covid-19.html

Texas:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place for counties with more than twenty active cases. Social distancing is encouraged. 
• https://www.texas.gov/covid19/

Utah:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering requirement, but many individual cities and counties have one in place, including Salt Lake City.
• https://coronavirus.utah.gov/

Vermont:

• There will be a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place effective August 1, and social distancing is encouraged.
• Most arrivals to the state have to quarantine for 14 days, unless coming from a list of approved states/counties. Unlike other states, you may quarantine elsewhere before entering Vermont, provided you travel in a private vehicle and only make essential stops while wearing a mask. Quarantine may be shortened to seven days with a negative test result. 
• https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19

Virginia:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/

Washington:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://coronavirus.wa.gov/

West Virginia:

• There is a statewide mask/face covering mandate in place, and social distancing is encouraged.
• https://dhhr.wv.gov/COVID-19/Pages/default.aspx

Wisconsin:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering requirement, but many individual cities and counties have one in place, including Milwaukee.
• Wisconsin residents have been asked not to travel to summer or holiday homes, and local restrictions may apply.
• https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/travel.htm

Wyoming:

• There is no statewide mask/face covering requirement, but many individual cities and counties have one in place.
• https://covid19.wyo.gov/

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For more information on some of the wider restrictions in place at US state level beyond the realm of aviation, Kayak.com keeps a pretty neat little page updated here.

Update 03Oct: The FAA has released AC_90-117, which is their updated overview of Data Link Communications.

• The United States ATC system transition to a National Single Data Authority (NSDA) is here.
• The changeover will take place on 22Oct at 0330Z
• A single CPDLC logon ID (KUSA) will be provided for domestic US airspace.
• The initial phase is set up to issue departure clearances only
• En-route CPDLC communications within US airspace will be implemented at a later time.
• More details about the transition process are found here NSDA – Data Comm Program
• We’ll post further information as it becomes available

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.

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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

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.

 

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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.

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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

High Seas Airspace – near misses 16MAR The Baltic Sea (Scandinavia) is seeing an alarming rise in traffic proximity events, and ICAO has issued guidance to operators with background and information. Military flights operating under ‘due regard’ are, well – not. Read the full article about High Seas airspace.

Canada New Entry Rules – relaxed 16MAR The new Canada Entry Rules – requiring most visitors to have an eTA before departing – came into force yesterday; with a caveat. In short: you should have one, but it’s OK if you don’t – at least until September 2016. Read the full article.

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Cxxx/Canada The new Canada Entry Rules – requiring most visitors to have an eTA before departing – came into force on 15MAR; with a caveat. In short: you should have one, but it’s OK if you don’t – at least until September 2016. Read the full article.

Cxxx/Canada Effective 30MAR, Canadian rules will no longer require an approach completely independent of GNSS at the planned destination. However, where a GNSS approach is planned at both the destination and the alternate, the aerodromes will need to be separated by a minimum of 100 NM. Refer AIC5/16.

Baltic Sea Based on several concrete examples of missing flight plans, the Russian Federation, Finland and Estonia agreed to define 7 new waypoints for State aircraft operations over the High Seas that could be used, to replace the current string of LAT/LONG coordinates, to facilitate all future FPLs between St. Petersburg FIR and Kaliningrad FIR. The ICAO Secretariat assigned the following 5LNCs: PISIS-PIDINPISIM-PIRUX-PINIX-PIVAX-PIPOM. All involved States (Russian Federation, Estonia, Finland and Latvia) agreed to implement/publish these waypoints (all over the High Seas), for the 30 MAR 2016 AIRAC date. Read the High Seas Airspace article.

North Atlantic CPDLC and ADS-C services will be out of service in Gander, Shanwick, Shannon and Reykjavik FIRS on 21MAR for periods lasting no longer than a few hours due to Inmarsat satellite replacement work. Please check the FIR NOTAM’s that pertain to your operation that day.

Kxxx/United States Due to a missile launch from within Miami Airspace the FAA has issued NOTAM A0366/16 to advise of the potential impact to operations with KZMA, KZWY and TJSJ FIRs from March 16 to March 17th. Please check the NOTAM for full details on all the possible routing constraints.

LTXX/Turkey NATO has begun surveillance within the Turkish FIR as part of assurance measures for Turkey. The first duty period was 12-15MAR.

Time Changes Clocks go forward/back depending on whether you’ve just had a long winter or a long summer. The US changed on 13MAR, most of Europe is on 27MAR, Australia and NZ on 03APR. TimeandDate.com has a very useful list.

KTEB/Teterboro A new Charted Quiet Visual Runway 19 visual approach will be published on 31MAR. Starting 04APR, the FAA will test the procedure for 180 days to gauge pilot compliance and environmental impact to determine if the procedure will become permanent.

YMML/Melbourne will host the Formula 1 Grand Prix 17-20MAR, with additional traffic to both YMML and YMEN/Essendon during these dates.

KATL/Atlanta Officials in Atlanta are laying the groundwork for an expansion of the world’s busiest airport. Work will begin soon on a $6 billion expansion and renovation project at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Workers will update the domestic passenger terminal and concourses, and add a sixth runway and a hotel. Work begins on concourse renovations later this year.

Lxxx/Austria has issued AIC 4/16 outlining the near future use of more direct Free Route Airspace.

Oxxx/Iran The U.S. State Dept issued a Travel Warning to reiterate and highlight the risk of arrest and detention of U.S. citizens, particularly dual national Iranian-Americans, in Iran, and to note that FAA has advised U.S. civil aviation to exercise caution when flying into, out of, within, or over the airspace over Iran.

NVVV/Port Vila Runway 11/29 will be closed from 16MAR at 1300Z until 17MAR at 1930Z for maintenance. This essentially closes the airport during the time period.

Yxxx/Australia A reminder that Easter travel could be severly disrupted with Border Force and Immigrationstaff at international airports across Australia planning to take strike action on the eve of Good Friday.

UIBB/Bratsk Don’t go. No fuel. Until 31MAR.

View the full International Bulletin 16MAR2016

Australia Airport Workers Strike 09MAR The Community and Public Sector Union (CSPU) announced the possibility of a strike during the week of 21 March, as well as three weeks of rolling airport strikes by Border Force and Immigration Department staff at international airports across the country. Airport staff members are expected to begin a work stoppage on 24 March, to coincide with the Easter holiday weekend, and will walk off the job at airports, freight terminals and other related sites. The work stoppages will be held to protest wage freezes and work conditions. Further details are likely to emerge closer to the strike.

ICAO Toughens Aircraft Tracking while in distress 02MAR The ICAO has announced new requirements for the real-time tracking of civilian aircraft in distress, following the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 two years ago. The ICAO’s governing council approved proposals for planes to carry tracking devices that can transmit their location at least once a minute in cases of distress. Aircraft operators will have to ensure their flight recorder data is recoverable, while the duration of cockpit voice recordings is being extended to 25 hours, ICAO said in a news release. These changes will take effect between now and 2021.

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United States Visa Waiver Program Passport Requirements Take Effect April 1. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers must present an e-Passport containing a biometric chip in order to enter the United States visa-free after March 31, 2016.  VWP travelers who do not hold an e-Passport should apply for a new passport as soon as possible to ensure that they can continue to use the program without interruption. The e-Passport requirement applies only to VWP travelers; it does not affect holders of U.S. visas.

Canada Electronic Travel Authorization Deadline Relaxed It has been announced that visa-exempt nationals who plan to enter or exit and re-enter Canada by air will be able to board their flight without an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) from March 15, 2016 until fall 2016.

India has extended its e-Tourist Visa program to applicants from 37 additional countries. Also, the visa-on-arrival program for certain Japanese nationals who are unable to apply for a regular or electronic visa has been relaxed to allow multiple visits per calendar year. Lastly, the deadline for Person of Indian Origin card holders to apply for the Overseas Citizen of India card in lieu of Person of Indian Origin card has been extended until June 30, 2016.

Ecuador The Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute reported that the Tungurahua volcano has experienced a series of eruptions. Pyroclastic flows and fallen ash have collected near the crater. During past eruptions, the volcano’s clouds of ash have disrupted flights to major airports in the region.

KZWY/New York Oceanic has issued NOTAM A0105/16 advising restrictions to routings in the WATRS PLUS area due to the (QVR) Oceana Radar being U/S on March 9th and March 10th between the hours of 14-22Z. The restrictions are issued as follows:

Northbound: L453 will be closed.

Southbound: M201 will be clsd btn int atugi and hanri.

Only aircraft equipped with operational ADS-260B out may use the following routes:

Southbound: L453 between LEXAD and ONGOT

North-eastbound: M201 between HANRI and ATUGI

All ADS-260B out aircraft must file an icao flight plan.

UIBB/Bratsk issued a NOTAM restricting the arrivals to only scheduled services due a fuel shortage until March 31st.

PKMJ/Majuro (Marshall Islands) Monthly tanker replenishment is planned for Mar 21-25. During this time, fuel will not be available.

VTSP/Phuket,Thailand has issued a NOTAM advising that the parking of private aircraft is prohibited overnight until April 25th.

Nigeria has experienced a country wide fuel shortage. Please check with your handler ahead of time to ensure fuel is available. Tankering is highly recommended until further notice.

LCCC FIR/Nicosia FIR Late notification of a military exercise in LCCC ACC starting on 09/03/2016 0300 UTC until 11/03/2016 1000 UTC. Exercise areas and route closures announced by following NOTAMs:

A0191/16 through A0196/16, A0208/16 and A0209/16 for area specifications. A0215/16 through A0220/16 for the route closures.

Please see the following graphic outlining the area:

View the full International Bulletin 09MAR2016