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LFZZ/France
The ATC strike in France has been extended to Apr 8. It is part of nationwide strike action and protests over pension reforms - so until that dispute is resolved, expect this ATC strike to keep getting extended. Check our article for more info.
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Fox Command
SBBR/Brasilia
Watch out if heading to the airport on Mar 30 - the former president is heading home after an extended trip to the USA, and protestors and supporters are expected to be there to ‘welcome’ him. Access to the airport is likely to be an issue, and security will be heightened. If anything kicks off it might be some level of flight disruption.
Fox Command
VHHH/Hong Kong
Hong Kong have said they will extend their current GA/BA slot rules for another year. Basically, there are 9 ad-hoc slots available each night (1400-2259z) for quiet aircraft, and 6 for noisy ones. There might sometimes be some cheeky daytime slots available too if you get lucky.
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Fox Command
KMDW/Chicago
Class C airspace is being expanded from June 15. Essentially two new sectors will extend to the northeast, out to 10nm from the field. For more info, see the FAA’s notice (attached).
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Fox Command
OSZZ/Syria
Several missiles were fired at targets in or near Damascus on March 30. Air defense systems over the city destroyed some of them. This follows an airstrike which closed OSAP/Aleppo just last week. Civil aircraft remain at serious risk from these types of events in the OSTT/Damascus FIR. Several states, including the US, ban operators from entering. See safeairspace.net for more info.
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Fox Command
FAZZ/South Africa
South African authorities are suspending a whole load of instrument approaches at airports nationwide, possibly due to ICAO audit concerns. See our post for more info.
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Fox Command
EGZZ/United Kingdom
The UK is developing an Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme for pax that will be similar to the US ESTA program. It starts in Nov 2023 for travelers from Qatar, then more Gulf states from Feb 2024, then for all international travelers from the end of 2024.
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Fox Command
ZKZZ/North Korea
More missiles were fired without Notam. We have decided to stop alerting on these unless there is a significant event, or change to the known risk. Visit Safeairspace for more information on the risk. South Korea releases notams (after the event) advising of missile launches from North Korea as well.
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Fox Command
XASI/Asia
Government offices will close at unusual times next week to observe the Qingming Festival - especially in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. There may be delays in arranging overflight and landing permits. Things should be back to ops normal after April 5.
Fox Command
YMML/Melbourne
The F1 Grand Prix is happening in Melbourne from March 30 - April 2. YMML/Melbourne, and especially nearby YMEN/Essendon, will see an influx of private jet traffic. Handling and parking reservations are essential. AIP SUPP H11/23 also deals with low level restricted airspace over the city but this is unlikely to affect IFR traffic.
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Fox Command
EGZZ/United Kingdom
The UK is increasing its air passenger duty rates from April 1. There’s a new ultra long-haul rate for destinations more than 5,500 miles from London. Check our article for more info.
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Fox Command
LIZZ/Italy
Italy has announced a nationwide ATC strike on April 2 between 11-15z (13-17 local time). As usual with Italian strikes, ATC will be provided to overflights, incoming intercontinental flights and other essential traffic. For ops to Italian airports, ATC will be guaranteed to some airline flights, but for everyone else - expect delays. Some airport staff are also planning to go on strike the same day, same times.
Fox Command
ZSPD/Shanghai Pudong
The airport will not accept bizjets (including ferry flights) from Mar 26 to June 3 due to runway construction. So ZSSS/Hongqiao is the only Shanghai option during this period, but there’s limited parking here, and you’ll likely have to plan for ops between 1100-1830 local time.
Fox Command
UTFA/
The Uzbekistani international airport will be closed from Apr 1 - Dec 31 for upgrades. UTTT/Tashkent is the primary airport for the country. UCFO/Osh is the closest (but in Kyrgyzstan) and border crossing might not be so easy. Notam D0288/23 is the one to check.
Fox Command
LLBG/Tel Aviv
There were long delays at the airport on Mar 27, following a nationwide strike that led to violent protests. At one point the airport reportedly suspended all flights in and out. The nationwide strike has now been called off after the government announced they will delay their judicial reform plans, and the airport is operating normally again, but expect smaller-scale protests to continue until the political dispute is resolved.
Fox Command
ZZZZ/Worldwide
A lot of things seem to go wrong on circling approaches, so the NTSB have released this handy guidance on them. For non-US folk, check the differences between PAN OPS and TERPS - in simple terms, the assumed circling radius is much smaller in the US which means steeper turns, smaller obstacle free area and considerably lower safety margins.
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Fox Command
LFMN/Nice
May is fast approaching and with it the annual Cannes Film festival and Monaco Grand Prix (May 16-27 and May 26-28), and with them come loads of extra traffic, parking restrictions, handling bookings, slots and other sources of BizAv woe. So here’s a heads up to start thinking about planning if you want to head to LFMN/Nice or LFMD/Cannes during those dates.
Fox Command
RPZZ/Philippines
Holy Week festivities take place Apr 2-8 which means a lot of offices closing early (get your permit requests etc in beforehand). Expect a lot more security at major airports and transport sites, and heavier than normal traffic as folk fly home during this period.
Fox Command
FLKK/Lusaka
The US VP is heading to Zambia and will fly via FLKK/Lusaka so security is going to be high there while she heads in and out - which looks like it will happen on Mar 31 and Apr 1. Expect some disruption and delays if there around those dates.
Fox Command
OPNH/Nawabshah
The airport has been closed (rather suddenly) for a two month geotechnical study. It will reopen on May 23. There’s no Notam for this closure yet! Watch out for ops to OPKC/Karachi, as with OPNH closed there aren’t a lot of decent nearby international alternates - the airlines are using OPMT/Multan and even OPIS/Islamabad way up north on the other side of the country.
Fox Command
VVDB/Dienbienphu
The airport will close from April 1 for approx. six months due to major upgrades. It will reopen with a longer runway, new apron and passenger terminal. VVNB/Hanoi would make a solid alternative.
Fox Command
EDNY/Friedrichshafen
Aero 2023 will take place from April 19-22, which means a lot of traffic from April 17-23. Special procedures will apply, and all aircraft will need to reserve a slot. SUP 06/23 has all the info you’ll need.
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Fox Command
XAFI/
Several African countries are reporting active outbreaks of Marburg Virus - it’s related to Ebola (you don’t want it). This includes Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Angola, the DRC, Zimbabwe, South Africa and especially Guinea. As efforts to contain it ramp up, expect to see potential restrictions and testing on pax who have been to affected countries.
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Fox Command
HAZZ/Ethiopia
The peace deal in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region seems to be holding. However a temporary government has just been put in place pending elections which have no date. This may motivate rebel groups to act up. Several states still have airspace warnings in place for the HAAA/Addis FIR, which are set for review. For now, take extra care operating at low level or planning a layover. Safeairspace.net has a full briefing.
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Fox Command
KZZZ/USA
The FAA expects big delays this summer, especially through the North East corridor due to ATC staff shortages. New York TRACON will be especially affected. The FAA has put out a memo warning that traffic at KJFK/ New York, KEWR/Newark, KLGA/La Guardia and KDCA/Washington can expect up to fifty percent more hold ups than usual. A slot waiver program has been put in place for scheduled ops to try and ease congestion, but expect to carry extra fuel through May to September.
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Fox Command
LFZZ/France
The French ATC strike trundles on. It’s due to last until Apr 1, but that could very well get extended once again if the nationwide pension reform dispute doesn’t get resolved. Expect this weekend to be especially bad for delays - that applies both to overflights and flights to France. For help with avoiding French airspace, read the Mitigation Plan which they just updated today.
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Fox Command
EDZZ/Germany
If you’ve got a flight planned to Germany on Mar 27, forget about it. There’s a big general strike planned across the country that day, and several major airports (EDDH, EDDF, EDDM, EDDW, EDDN, EDDS) have issued Notams saying they will effectively be closed to regular flights. Looks like there will be no strike action at EDDB/Berlin - Execujet have told us the airport will be operating as normal.
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Fox Command
FAZZ/South Africa
BP are to stop providing jet fuel at airports in South Africa. They’ve already withdrawn from FACT/Cape Town, and will do so at other main airports FAOR/Johannesburg and FALE/Durban from the end of April. So if you’re headed here, double-check with your local agent what alternative fuel suppliers are available.
Fox Command
OKBK/Kuwait
We are waiting to see if Eurocontrol has sorted the issue in their system with Kuwait’s new OKKK ICAO code. They were asking operators to use ZZZZ and name the airport under item 18 until an update on Mar 23. We also noticed ICAO’s Notam system only recognises OKBK, not OKKK, so caution you don’t miss any Notams.
Fox Command
LTBA/Istanbul
Teknofest takes place from April 30 - May 6, at LTBA/Istanbul Ataturk airport. This is the biggest airspace and technology festival in Turkey and will probably mean a lot of restrictions and extra traffic at the airport, so get in touch with your local handler now to see what options you have.
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Fox Command
LFZZ/France
There’s a jet fuel shortage in Corsica at the moment. All four international airports (LFKC/Calvi, LFKB/Bastia, LFKJ/Ajaccio, LFKF/Figari) have Notams in place warning about this - LFKJ are saying tankering is mandatory, but sounds like a good idea for the other airports too.
Fox Command
LFZZ/France
France have announced their ATC strike is being extended to Apr 1. LFFF Notam F0488/23 refers. It was supposed to end on Mar 24. So more of the same expected - delays for overflights and for flights to French airports. Keep an eye on the NOP for an updated Mitigation Plan, which should be published soon.
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Fox Command
HLZZ/Libya
The US FAA have updated their airspace warning for Libya. Flights remain prohibited in the HLLL/Tripoli FIR, but are now permitted in the overwater airspace off the north coast of Libya (as well as a tiny portion in the south of the FIR over Chad). Check our article for more info.
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Fox Command
OSAP/Aleppo
The airport was hit by another airstrike on March 22. It is now closed until March 24 (OSAP Notam A0055/23 refers). The field has been damaged several times by military action since late last year - the OSTT/Damascus FIR is an active conflict zone with serious risks for civil aviation - see safeairspace.net for more info.
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Fox Command
EGLL/London Heathrow
Security staff in Terminal 5 are planning to strike from March 31 - April 9, along with those who check cargo entering the airport. There may also be demonstrations in other areas. Flight disruptions are expected across the board - extra fuel for delays would be worth considering.
Fox Command
ZSZZ/China
China is fully reopening to tourists after three years of border restrictions. They are now issuing all types of visa again. Pax with unexpired visas issued before March 28, 2020 are also able to enter. Crew visas (C type visa) have remained valid throughout, so no changes there. Covid tests 48 hours before departure are still required.
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Fox Command
SBZZ/Brazil
From Oct 1, Brazil will re-introduce visa requirements for citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and Japan who wish to enter. They are currently covered by a visa exemption, but this is set to change. It’s not clear yet what impact this will have on crew rules.
Fox Command
KMIA/Miami
If you use Customs ramp only and don’t use the Signature Ramp; be sure to walk into the Miami/Dade airport office (in customs building ) and pay your Parking fee. Otherwise they will call ground control and turn you around to pay before departure. We didn’t use the Signature Ramp but did use them for catering and paid parking at SFS but there is no communication between SFS and airport office saying you paid landing fee. If your plane departs from customs ramp and never relocates to SFS airport office turns you around . Be sure to have SFS call airport office and advise paid.
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OPPS/Peshawar
There is a raised terror risk in the Peshawar region. You can expect heightened security and possible disruption in and around OPPS/Bacha Khan airport.
Fox Command
KZZZ/USA
The US has implemented en-route CPDLC in more centers across the country. So now, for the first time ever, you can fly coast-to-coast using CPDLC. KUSA is the one and only code you need. More info at the l3harris site.
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Fox Command
LIMC/Milano
Malpensa is working on runway 35R/17L. The work phases will run to Oct and during this time there will be temporary changes to the runway declared length, and to ILS availability. All the info is in AIP SUP 8/2023. But don’t worry, there is another runway available.
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Fox Command
YZZZ/Australia
It is being widely reported that GPS jamming is occurring off the North Western Coast of Australia, which is suspected to originate from military ships in the area. Continue to report any incidents of interference to controlling ATC.
Fox Command
ZKZZ/North Korea
Another ballistic missile test was reported on March 19, which landed in the Sea of Japan. Like other recent launches, there were no prior airspace warnings. This is becoming an almost weekly occurrence - safeairspace.net has a full briefing on this persistent threat to aircraft in or near the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR.
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EGZZ/United Kingdom
The UK will drop its Covid pre-departure testing requirements for all arrivals from mainland China from April 4. It joins the US and Canada, along with many other countries in scrapping these temporary measures as the situation there continues to improve.
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Fox Command
LFZZ/France
Paris airports LFPG/Charles De Gaulle and LFPB/Le Bourget are now both reporting jet fuel shortages. They are asking aircraft to tanker in as much as operationally possible - Notams LFPG A1271/23 and LFPB 1272/23 refer. We’ve had no reports yet of crew being unable to uplift.
Fox Command
GAZZ/Mali
The UK has issued a Notam expanding its airspace warning for Mali to all flight levels, due to the potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry. Previously, as per the UK AIP, the warning only applied up to 25,000ft AGL. Mali doesn’t have it’s own FIR - it sits under the DRRR/Niamey and GOOO/Dakar FIRs - so caution if overflying these areas.
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Fox Command
FAZZ/South Africa
South Africa continues to see load shedding impact ops at various airports. Watch out for Notams alerting to limited TWR availability during the power outages. There is no notam, but airlines continue to tanker to FACT/Cape Town due potential limits with JET A1, and shortages at FABE/Port Elizabeth, FALE/King Shaka, FAEL/East London and FAUT/Mthatha.
Fox Command
OTZZ/Qatar
Mar 23 is when Doha Control grabs control of all the airspace above the State of Qatar and their waters, SFC-UNL. Bahrain will still be responsible for controlling the international waters bits nearby, but only up to FL245.
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Fox Command
CZZZ/Canada
From March 17, Canada will drop its Covid testing requirements for all inbound arrivals from China, Macau and Hong Kong. Pax will no longer need to provide any test results prior to boarding. This follows the US which scrapped a similar rule just days ago.
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Fox Command
EHEH/Eindhoven
A member advises that Eindhoven has no further GA slots available for the month of March. Consider EDLV/Weeze or EBAW/Antwerpen as alternatives - both are approximately one hours drive from EHEH.
Fox Command
EGZZ/United Kingdom
The airspace across the entire western section of the UK is changing from March 23. Free Route Airspace will be implemented above FL245 (they did the same thing in the north of England and Scotland back in Dec 2021). There’s also going to be over 130 new waypoints, new and revised STARs, revised SIDs, and a new en-route hold for EGLL/Heathrow. Make sure your FMS is updated, and check the attached doc for more info.
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Fox Command
ZKZZ/North Korea
There was yet another unannounced missile launch on March 16. It seemed to coincide with a high profile political visit to Japan. Like most, the missile landed in the Sea of Japan with no Notams issued for civilian traffic - our latest article has a full brief on this persistent threat.
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LTZZ/Turkey
Severe GPS jamming in the North and East Turkish airspace. First experienced around waypoint KONUK, all the way to the boundary with Iran (Teheran FIR) and waypoint TUDNU. The jamming can trigger a whole lot of warnings/caution messages (UNABLE RNP, GNSS REVERTED, SBAS NOT IN USE, ADS-B and ADS-C FAULT, etc) and the aircraft going into dead reckoning mode.
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ZSZZ/China
The final stage of China’s Covid restrictions are ending - tourist visas (among all others) will be issued without restriction from March 15. Quarantine is already a thing of the past. For crew, it is still worth checking ahead to your specific port to make sure there are no hidden requirements still to follow.
Fox Command
RPLL/Manila
It has been a rough few weeks for ops - first, a bunch of immigration officials were arrested after targeting foreigners with bribes. Now GA/BA ops are being carefully monitored - especially to Dubai and the Middle East due to issues with unauthorised passengers traveling privately. The impact for regular ops is likely increased scrutiny by officials, along with document checks at least in the short term.
Fox Command
OMDB/Dubai
Dubai’s two runways will take turns to be closed for 3 hour periods (11-14z) on several dates until the end of March. Notams A0950/23 and A0953/23 have the info. Just watch out if you’re arriving during closure timings as you can expect some lengthy delays.
Fox Command
EGZZ/United Kingdom
King Charles’ Coronation is planned for May 6, which means you might want to start planning your trip if you want to head into any of the London airports around that period. Airports are expected to be extremely busy, with some flight restrictions in place during the Coronation on May 6.
Fox Command
KZZZ/USA
The US has officially lifted the requirement for all passengers arriving from China, Macau and Hong Kong to present a Covid test on arrival. There has been no change to the generic rule requiring foreigners to be vaccinated regardless of where they have been - we are waiting for an imminent update on that policy.
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Fox Command
LFPG/Paris CDG
Fuel shortages have continued. No change to previous advice - operators with flight times of less than three hours need to continue tankering in as much as possible due to a technical issue. LFPG Notam A1081/23 has been extended until at least March 16.
Fox Command
EGZZ/United Kingdom
Word on the street is that UK TCOs are taking 6-8 weeks to be issued. From Jan 2023, foreign operators must have a UK-issued “Third Country Operators” approval to operate commercial flights to the UK. If you’ve got an EASA TCO, these are not accepted in the UK anymore. Any questions, email TCO@caa.co.uk, and check out the UK CAA page for more info.
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Fox Command
LIZZ/Italy
An ATC strike has been called for April 2 in Italy, for four hours between 13-17 local time (11-15z). As usual with these Italy ATC strikes, overflights will not be affected, but expect delays if you’re heading to/from the airports.
Fox Command
EDDF/Frankfurt
Frankfurt is expecting some staff shortages through the summer season, and is planning some temporary reductions in capacity from end of March to end of September. The most impacted period is May 16-31 due to the works on runway 25R/07L. Confirm availability with your local handler.
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Fox Command
ZSZZ/China
The BFA annual conference takes place in Boao from Mar 28-31. A lot of high profile traffic will be heading into ZJQH/Qionghai Bo’ao - usually unavailable to foreign traffic. More traffic can also be expected into ZJHK/Haikou and ZJSY/Sanya. There may be some messy routing restrictions if you are operating in the region.
Fox Command
YMML/Melbourne
The Australian Grand Prix takes place Mar 30 - Apr 2. Most traffic will head into YMML/Melbourne or the smaller YMEN/Essendon. YMEN is a good GA airport but is domestic only - but you can prearrange CIQ to meet you there. It is also restricted to aircraft under 50t MTOW and has a 23-06 local time curfew.
Fox Command
MMZZ/Mexico
US daylight savings time starts March 12 - clocks will go forward one hour in most states (excluding Hawaii and Arizona). Mexico no longer applies daylight savings time, except for in some towns bordering the US. Find out which ones here.
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Fox Command
KZZZ/USA
Daylight saving time starts for the majority of US states from this Sunday (12 March). Clocks will go forward one hour in most states (excluding Hawaii and Arizona) at 02:00 local time, until Nov 5. Keep an eye out for the change.
Fox Command
LLZZ/Israel
More rocket attacks have been reported in Southern Israel, near Gaza on March 8. There were no reported disruptions to civil aviation, however air defense activity has potential to close airports and airspace at short notice in the LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR - safeairspace.net has a full briefing.
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Fox Command
RPLL/Manila
Several security officers have been arrested following recent reports of illegitimate fines being demanded from foreigners. The airport has a well documented history of similar incidents - no reports of crew being specifically targeted, but be aware of your basic rights. In many cases the issue has been dropped when attention has been drawn to it.
Fox Command
SCEL/Santiago
Local media reports of an armed attack this morning outside the cargo area of Santiago airport in Chile. Sounds like several armed crims tried to steal something from a truck, leading to a shootout with security forces. No reports of any impact to airport ops however.
Fox Command
LEBL/Barcelona
From June to September there will be a ban on aircraft with a MTOW of 15t or less. Unlike previous years this is just a morning ban. You can find all the info here (on page 95). You might want to try LERS/Reus or LEGE/Gerona instead.
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Fox Command
LTZZ/Turkey
Turkey is planning a load of military training flight exercises in the LTAA/Ankara FIR, along the coast of the Black Sea. There is low impact expected, and just a few route closures. If you are in the area keep a good listen out because of increased levels of military traffic. Here’s a notam for the exercise Mar 7.
Fox Command
EHAM/Amsterdam
The Dutch government is planning on imposing a movements cap at EHAM/Amsterdam Schiphol, reducing the number from 500,000 to 460,000, due in Nov 2023. A lot of airlines are questioning this so worth your while following the news on this one if it might impact your operations.
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Fox Command
LEZZ/Spain
ATC towers at selected airports will be striking on Tuesdays - 7, 14, 21 and 29 March. The impacted airports now have notams advising. The impact is expected to be relatively low.
Fox Command
CYUL/Montreal
Runway 06L/24R will be closed from March 13 - June 23 for works (AIP SUP 10/23 refers). During this time, capacity for arrivals will almost halve. Scheduled services will have first shot at available slots, which means it may be much harder than usual for GA/BA ops to find room - especially come Summer. Plan well ahead to reserve your spot.
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Fox Command
ZZZZ/Worldwide
IFALPA has issued a new Safety Bulletin. There have been several recent incidents of civil aircraft being contacted by military warships on 121.5 and 123.45 - in some cases with vectors to avoid airspace. GPS interference has also been reported. The hotspot is the Pacific region - namely the South China Sea, and Philippine Sea. Do not respond if contacted, and immediately notify controlling ATC.
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Fox Command
WIZZ/Indonesia
IFALPA has issued a security alert for commercial operations in the Papua region. This follows the recent shooting of a landing aircraft at WAJO/Oksibil, and the kidnapping of a foreign pilot. The Indonesian Government has declared the entire region high risk. Armed groups have shown continued interest in targeting aviation interests. The official advice is a security assessment for each flight, along with limiting time spent on the ground.
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Fox Command
CYYZ/Toronto
The airport authority is heavily restricting the number of available arrival and departure slots for the upcoming school holiday period in March. They intend to do the same over Summer. There will also be limits on the number of pax transiting to/from the US, although this is less likely to affect GA/BA ops. Make sure you get in early to avoid disruptions.
Fox Command
LLZZ/Israel
The UK has updated some of its info on travel, and now advises against all travel within 500m of the border with Syria. The area is also a significant risk for air operations - there have been several rocket attacks in recent weeks. The primary risk in the LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR remains short notice disruptions for air defence activity, including airport closures or re-routes.
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Fox Command
EZZZ/Europe
Once again, the EU-LISA program has been postponed. It looks like the EES bit (the digital system to replace the manual stamping of passports at the border) will be delayed to some time towards the end of 2023, and the ETIAS bit (the thing where operators have to verify that their pax have valid pre-travel authorisation, similar to the ESTA system in the US) will start in 2024.
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Fox Command
MMTO/Toluca
Watch out for some night-time closures planned on several dates throughout March. Check Notam A1564/23 for details.
Fox Command
ZZZS/
The NBAA have put together a post on ‘What you need to know to fly internationally’ , with a focus on Europe, China, Brazil, Mexico and Russia/Ukraine and the top questions that come up for them. It is very handy.
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Fox Command
VIDP/Delhi
A new runway (11L/29R) will enter service on March 23, along with a bunch of associated taxiways to reach it. VIDP Notam G0090/23 refers. AIP SUP 199/22 has all the info - it’s a hefty read (95 pages!) but has all the operational changes and diagrams there if you need it.
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Fox Command
KZZZ/USA
The US Masters Golf Tournament is happening in Augusta, GA from April 2-9. Special air traffic procedures have been published. These include preferred IFR arrival and departure routes and flow management for the four airports that see a lot of traffic during the event - KAGS/Augusta, KAIK/Aiken, KDNL/Daniel Field, KHQU/Thomson-McDuffie. Reserved parking and PPRs are essential.
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Fox Command
ZKZZ/North Korea
The FAA has published a new Information Note that sheds some light on the risks posed from several missile launches over the past week or two. Most notable is the Feb 18 launch of a ballistic missile that transited the UHHH/Khabarovsk FIR and then landed inside the RJJJ/Fukuoka FIR near several international airways. The major risk to aircraft is from falling debris, especially if a launch fails.
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Fox Command
GAZZ/Mali
The FAA has published a new Information Note, following the issue of KICZ Notam A0001/23 which extends its airspace warning for US operators to all levels (an increase from FL260.) This is due to a deteriorating security situation, ongoing fighting and militant activity, an expanding foreign private military presence, and the introduction of an advanced air defense system. For a full briefing on the situation, see our article.
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Fox Command
NXZZ/South Pacific
It has been a bumper cyclone season, which looks set to continue. There are two systems strengthening near Fiji and Vanuatu with potential to become severe storms in the coming days. South-easterly tracking may also put New Caledonia at risk. We’ll provide updates as more accurate forecasts become available.
Fox Command
OOZZ/Oman
Oman has become the latest Middle Eastern state to allow overflights of Israeli registered aircraft. It joins Saudi Arabia, and creates room for a significant air corridor to and from Asia since Israeli carriers still cannot overfly Iranian airspace - previously requiring them to route much further south.
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Fox Command
MMMX/Mexico City
The Mexican government has officially decided to ban cargo ops from MMMX/Mexico City. More info on it here.
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Fox Command
GAZZ/Mali
The FAA has issued a new Notam advising US operators to use caution in the airspace of Mali, at all levels - an increase from FL260. This is due to a deteriorating security situation, militant activity, and the introduction of advanced air defense systems. KICZ Notam A0001/23 refers. To overfly (which is not advisable), you should try to notify the FAA at least 72hrs in advance.
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Fox Command
LEZZ/Spain
Ground staff at 17 Spanish airports are planning 24hr strikes between Feb 27 and Apr 13 - every Mon, Tues and Thurs. It will cause disruptions in baggage and cargo handling and passenger services, and executive aviation services. The airports affected are ALC, LEI, BCN, RGS, LPA, HSK, ACE, MAD, AGP, RMU, REU, SLM, TFS, VLC, VLL and ZAZ.
Fox Command
RJZZ/Japan
Japan have updated their list of routings that are ok to use, and those that are not ok to use, effective Mar 22. These will probably get swept up in due course by the likes of Jeppesen and other outfits that publish “preferred routings” for various different countries and regions, but here’s the raw data from Japan (in the form of an AIC) if you want to read it hot off the press.
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Fox Command
RJFF/Fukuoka
Fukuoka airport closes at 10pm sharp! That’s 1300z in old money. Even Japan Airlines aren’t allowed to arrive late - this week one of their aircraft turned up 10 minutes late and was refused entry, and had to make a 5-hour trip back to Tokyo.
Fox Command
OKBK/Kuwait
OKBK/Kuwait officially becomes OKKK/Kuwait on Feb 23. Notam A0048/23 advised, and here is your reminder!
Fox Command
WSSS/Singapore Changi
RWY 02C/20C (the middle runway) and adjacent taxiways will be fully closed from Mar 23 to Sep 6, for works. There’s no Notam about this yet, but there’s an AIP SUP with all the info, including a nice little map showing the closed areas.
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Fox Command
RJTT/Tokyo Haneda
Tokyo airport has published a runway incursion hazard map, showing all the hotspots to watch out for. There’s also some info on the recent installation of flashing lights on one of the taxiways, some runway lighting issues on RWY 04/22, and some new taxiway markings. Give it a read if you’re heading to Haneda!
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Fox Command
VRMH/Haa Dhaalu Atoll
One of the Maldives three international airports will close at night from March 1 for construction work. The restriction will apply between 20-08 local time (15-03z) every night until further notice. Work is expected to finish next year. Take care if planning on using the airport as an alternate.
Fox Command
EGZZ/United Kingdom
An OPSGROUP member reports issues arranging security screening (which is required for all commercial flights over 10,000kg and non-commercial flights over 45,500kg) - especially at EGSS/Stansted and EGNM/Leeds. Departure requests need to be flexible, as there may be significant delays arranging it. Confirm with your local handling agent ahead of time on whether you can expect any hold ups.
Fox Command
LTZZ/Turkey
Fresh report of GPS jamming by an OPSGROUP member on Feb 12. The signal was lost or unreliable for almost three hours while crossing the majority of the LTAA/Ankara FIR and a small portion of the ORBB/Baghdad FIR at FL430. Turkish ATC confirmed that GPS interference had been reported. See attached for more info on this hazard.
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Fox Command
EZZZ/Europe
It is being widely reported that at least two cruise missiles transited Moldovan and Romanian airspace during a major Russian offensive in Ukraine on Feb 10. It is the latest in a series of spill-over risks in countries located near the conflict. Our advice remains the same – stay well clear of the active conflict zone, even if operating on open airways. Our recent article has more info.
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Fox Command
HKZZ/Kenya
The US Embassy has issued a new terrorism warning for foreigners - especially in Nairobi. Hotels and airports are potential targets. Extra security screening may create flight delays. Keep an eye out for any additional travel advisories that may affect crew security.
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Fox Command
EGLF/Farnborough
Some fee changes are coming in at Farnborough airport. From Dec 1 the weekend surcharge for all non-contract / non-based aircraft will increase to £795 per movement. All aircraft, under parking contracts (hangar or external), will continue to receive the previous price (£545 per movement) until the end of this year.
FAB3
CZZZ/Canada
On Dec 29, the final phase of the Canadian airspace modernization program comes into effect meaning several navaids will be decommissioned and RNAV (GNSS) approaches and RNAV airway segments will be published instead. You can read the list and see if it impacts airports you operate to here.
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YYZ8
EDVE/Braunschweig
SAFA Check upon arrival. The check took over an hour even though we readily supplied all docs and answers all questions quickly. Felt like they were going to keep digging till they found something, they did. They called it a level two finding, it will be removed once we provide a updated doc. We were given breathalyzer tests! The crew was as pleasant as we could be, but were admittedly aggravated by the end of this check. We felt like it was a little bit over the top.
Mole
EGZZ/United Kingdom
Starting from 1st Oct 2021, European citizens, including those from Switzerland, Iceland and Norway, must present their passports when entering the UK - they can no longer enter just by showing their ID card. Until the end of 2025 there will be a few exemptions, including for Irish citizens.
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BRU7
LFPG/Paris CDG
From now on, fuel will not be available on Monday mornings between 00-02z. The Notam advising this shows an end date of 30 Dec 2019, but after this time the restriction will be incorporated into the AIP, therefore it will become permanent.
AYT1
