{"id":27724,"date":"2025-06-03T09:47:38","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T13:47:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ops.group\/blog\/?p=27724"},"modified":"2025-06-05T15:38:18","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T19:38:18","slug":"summer-tips-for-flight-planning-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ops.group\/blog\/summer-tips-for-flight-planning-in-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Tips for Flight Planning in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summer in Europe often means one thing: traffic – and lots of it.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eurocontrol keeps the system moving, but it can feel complex, especially when delays mount and regulations interfere with your plans.<\/p>\n

The good news?<\/strong> A few smart moves can make a big difference. This guide breaks down what matters most: the tools, timing, and habits that help your flight operate on time.<\/span><\/p>\n

For Dispatchers: Plan It Right<\/b><\/h6>\n

Keep Your EOBTs Accurate<\/h4>\n

<\/b>Your Estimated Off-Block Time (EOBT) is what anchors your flight in the network. It tells the system when you plan to be ready for pushback, and everything from slot allocation to airspace planning builds on that. If the EOBT is outdated, your flight might get an unrealistic Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT) or even be suspended.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

A CTOT is a take-off window assigned based on current traffic demand. It\u2019s valid from -5 to +10 minutes around the assigned time. You must take off within that window.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Some operators hesitate to update the EOBT, thinking it could make the CTOT worse. In fact, the system often improves the slot within a few minutes when fresh data is provided.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip:<\/b> If a new CTOT looks worse, give it 10 minutes to settle. If there\u2019s still no improvement, then it\u2019s time to contact e-Helpdesk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t File YO-YO Profiles<\/h4>\n

<\/b>Trying to dodge flow restrictions with unusual altitude changes (like FL360 \u2192 FL320 \u2192 FL360) only confuses the system<\/strong>. These so-called \u201cYO-YO\u201d profiles increase workload for ATC and can cause downstream problems. Use tools like NMP Flight<\/a> to build efficient, compliant flight plans without trying to game the system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Respect Arrival Slots<\/h4>\n

<\/b>If your destination airport is slot-coordinated, always align your flight plan with the assigned airport arrival slot<\/strong>. Mismatches can lead to flight plan suspension and suspended flights aren\u2019t included in ATFM. That means no slot, no priority, and big delays. Double-check that your slot confirmation matches what you file.<\/span><\/p>\n

ATFM (Air Traffic Flow Management) is the system that manages demand and capacity across the network. If your flight is suspended, it\u2019s excluded from this process – making it much harder to recover your slot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Use IFPS Validation Tools<\/h4>\n

<\/b>Before filing your flight plan, use validation tools like NMP Flight<\/a>, the NOP Portal<\/a>, or CHMI. These platforms let you check for errors, confirm compliance with the RAD, and fine-tune your routing. A rejected plan means wasted time, especially when the network is busy.<\/span><\/p>\n

NMP Flight is now the main interface for flight tracking, planning validation, slot monitoring, and more.<\/strong> It replaces older tools like CHMI and adds useful features like custom alerts, critical flight marking, and real-time updates. If you haven\u2019t used it yet, it\u2019s worth getting familiar.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re facing a long delay, slot swaps can help – but only in specific cases. Operators can swap CTOTs between flights<\/strong> under their own AOC, provided the flights are subject to the same ATFM regulation. Each flight can take part in up to three swaps, which must be submitted via NMP Flight<\/a>, the NOP Portal<\/a>, or B2B. Phone requests are possible but should be a last resort. Each request is reviewed by NMOC (Network Manager Operations Centre), Eurocontrol\u2019s operational hub for managing traffic flow across Europe, so swaps aren\u2019t instant or guaranteed. But when used correctly, they can help reduce the operational impact of delays.<\/span><\/p>\n

Submit Slot Improvement Requests Wisely<\/h4>\n

<\/b>Need a better slot? Use the e-Helpdesk, but only from EOBT minus 60 minutes<\/strong>. Submitting too early won\u2019t work and flooding the system with duplicate requests won\u2019t help either. One well-timed request is all you need. Track your flight in NMP Flight<\/a>, and only follow up if absolutely necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding Critical Flights<\/h4>\n

With the introduction of NMP Flight<\/a>, operators now have access to a useful new feature: the ability to mark a flight as Critical<\/strong>. This helps Eurocontrol identify flights where delays would cause significant operational problems and gives those flights a better chance of being prioritised. This doesn\u2019t guarantee an earlier CTOT, but it does signal urgency to the Eurocontrol network team, who may coordinate with ATC or destination airports to reduce the impact of the delay.<\/span><\/p>\n

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You\u2019ll find the option in the e-Helpdesk tab in NMP Flight.<\/p><\/div>\n

From 60 minutes before EOBT, you can tick the \u201cCritical flight\u201d box and choose a reason from a predefined list:<\/span><\/p>\n

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You can also add a brief comment (up to 300 characters) to explain the situation.<\/p><\/div>\n

What to keep in mind:<\/strong><\/p>\n