Ukraine
Risk Level: One - Do Not Fly
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Ukraine closed its entire airspace to all civil traffic on Feb 24, 2022, due to a military invasion by Russia. There is an ongoing active conflict in Ukraine between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Russia, Belarus and Moldova have closed large sections of their own airspace near to their FIR boundaries with Ukraine.
All the major countries who regularly issue airspace warnings (the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy) have since issued total flight bans for Ukraine due to risk from military activity at all levels. (Several other countries have also issued flight bans for Ukraine but we have not listed them all here due to sheer volume).
The primary risk is an unintended targeting of civil aircraft by military, including misidentification (as with MAS17, UIA752), or confusion.
The secondary risk is potential lack of Ukrainian Air Traffic Control Service at short notice (Cyber Attack), and other unforeseeable non-normal operating environments for civil aircraft.
Read: OPSGROUP article: Ukraine and Russia Update March 2022
Prior to February 2022, there were two areas of concern in Ukraine - the conflict in the far east of the country (affecting UKDV/Dnipro FIR) and the double claim over ATC and airspace in Crimea (UKFV/URFV/Simferopol FIR).
All the major countries who regularly issue airspace warnings (the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy) have since issued total flight bans for Ukraine due to risk from military activity at all levels. (Several other countries have also issued flight bans for Ukraine but we have not listed them all here due to sheer volume).
The primary risk is an unintended targeting of civil aircraft by military, including misidentification (as with MAS17, UIA752), or confusion.
The secondary risk is potential lack of Ukrainian Air Traffic Control Service at short notice (Cyber Attack), and other unforeseeable non-normal operating environments for civil aircraft.
Read: OPSGROUP article: Ukraine and Russia Update March 2022
Prior to February 2022, there were two areas of concern in Ukraine - the conflict in the far east of the country (affecting UKDV/Dnipro FIR) and the double claim over ATC and airspace in Crimea (UKFV/URFV/Simferopol FIR).
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | AIC 33/23 | 10 Jul 2023 | 05 Oct 2024 | |
| Ukraine | Notam UKBV A0640/22 | 10 Jul 2023 | 10 Oct 2023 | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Russia/Ukraine | 14 Nov 2022 | Ongoing | |
| USA | Notam KICZ A0004/22 | 24 Feb 2022 | Ongoing | |
| Canada | AIC 21/24 | 24 Feb 2022 | Ongoing | |
| Germany | AIC 06/24 | 24 Feb 2022 | Ongoing | |
| UK | UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5) | 24 Feb 2022 | Ongoing | |
| France | AIC 15/24 | 24 Feb 2022 | Ongoing |
Source: Italy
Reference: AIC 33/23
Issued: 10-Jul-23, valid until: 05 Oct 2024
Plain English: Italian operators are prohibited from the airspace of Ukraine, including the contested UKFV/Simferopol FIR over Crimea (claimed by Russia as the URFV FIR).
Military invasion of Ukraine by Russian Federation.
Italian air operators and owners of acft registered in Italy shall not enter UIR Kyiv (UKBU), FIR Lviv (UKLV), FIR Kyiv (UKBV), FIR dnipropetrovsk (UKDV), FIR Simferopol (UKFV), FIR Odesa (UKOV), FIR Rostov-na-donu (URRV). Said operators and acft owners shall also avoid flt ops wi the buffer zone extd out to 200 NM along the Ukraine/Russia border. Ops wi the FIR Chisinau (LUUU) airspace shall only be undertaken in compliance with applicable aeronautical publications issued by republic of Moldova. Operators are reminded that ops wi FIR Minsk (UMMV) are prohibited in accordance with EASA safety directives SD-2021-02 and SD-2021-03. Addn risk assessment and flt planning decisions shall be taken bfr operating in the flw airspace: Moscow (UUWV).
Source: Ukraine
Reference: Notam UKBV A0640/22
Issued: 10-Jul-23, valid until: 10 Oct 2023
Plain English: Ukraine airspace remains closed to all civil flights (since Feb 2022) due to Russian invasion and ongoing conflict.
MILITARY INVASION OF UKRAINE BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION. THE USE OF AIRSPACE OF UKRAINE WITHIN UIR KYIV, FIR LVIV, FIR KYIV, FIR DNIPRO, FIR ODESA, FIR SIMFEROPOL' IS PROHIBITED FOR ALL AIRCRAFT EXCEPT STATE AIRCRAFT OF UKRAINE OR UNDER PERMISSION OF GENERAL STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE. ATS IS NOT PROVIDED. 10 JUL 09:56 2023 UNTIL 09 OCT 23:59 2023 ESTIMATED. CREATED: 10 JUL 09:57 2023
Source: USA
Reference: FAA Information Note Russia/Ukraine
Issued: 14-Nov-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: The Russia/Ukraine conflict spillover risk is increasing. Russia periodically launches missiles targeting Ukraine which transit Moldovan airspace. Reports of comms and GPS jamming outside the conflict zone, particularly over the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. Expanded drone activity, especially around Crimea and eastern Ukraine.
Title: FAA Information Note - Russia/Ukraine – Conflict Spillover Risks to U.S. Civil Aviation Increasing
Click the link for full text.
Click the link for full text.
Source: USA
Reference: Notam KICZ A0004/22
Issued: 24-Feb-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: US operators are are prohibited from the airspace of Ukraine, including the contested UKFV/Simferopol FIR over Crimea (claimed by Russia as the URFV FIR).
SECURITY..UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PROHIBITION AGAINST CERTAIN FLIGHTS IN THE LVIV (UKLV), KYIV (UKBV), DNIPRO (UKDV), SIMFEROPOL (UKFV), AND ODESA (UKOV) FLIGHT INFORMATION REGIONS, AS WELL AS, THE KYIV UPPER INFORMATION REGION (UIR) (UKBU)THOSE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A (APPLICABILITY) BELOW ARE PROHIBITED FROM OPERATING AT ALL ALTITUDES IN THE LVIV FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (FIR) (UKLV), KYIV FIR (UKBV), DNIPRO FIR (UKDV), SIMFEROPOL FIR (UKFV), AND ODESA FIR (UKOV), AS WELL AS THE KYIV UPPER INFORMATION REGION (UIR) (UKBU), DUE TO SAFETY-OF-FLIGHT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ONGOING HOSTILITIES.
A. APPLICABILITY. THIS NOTAM APPLIES TO: ALL U.S. AIR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS; ALL PERSONS EXERCISING THE PRIVILEGES OF AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE FAA, EXCEPT SUCH PERSONS OPERATING U.S.-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT FOR A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER; AND ALL OPERATORS OF CIVIL AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES, EXCEPT WHEN THE OPERATOR OF SUCH AIRCRAFT IS A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER.
B. PERMITTED OPERATIONS. THIS NOTAM DOES NOT PROHIBIT PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A (APPLICABILITY) ABOVE FROM CONDUCTING FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THE ABOVE-NAMED AREA WHEN SUCH OPERATIONS ARE AUTHORIZED EITHER BY ANOTHER AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FAA OR BY A DEVIATION, EXEMPTION, OR OTHER AUTHORIZATION ISSUED BY THE FAA ADMINISTRATOR. OPERATORS MUST CALL THE FAA WASHINGTON OPERATIONS CENTER AT 202-267-3333 TO INITIATE COORDINATION FOR FAA AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT OPERATIONS.
C. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. IN AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING IMMEDIATE DECISION AND ACTION FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT IN COMMAND OF AN AIRCRAFT MAY DEVIATE FROM THIS NOTAM TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THAT EMERGENCY.
THIS NOTAM IS AN EMERGENCY ORDER ISSUED UNDER 49 USC 40113(A), 44701(A)(5), AND 46105(C). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AT: HTTPS://WWW.FAA.GOV/AIR_TRAFFIC/PUBLICATIONS/US_RESTRICTIONS/.
SFC - FL999, 24 FEB 19:30 2022 UNTIL PERM. CREATED: 24 FEB 19:22 2022
A. APPLICABILITY. THIS NOTAM APPLIES TO: ALL U.S. AIR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS; ALL PERSONS EXERCISING THE PRIVILEGES OF AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE FAA, EXCEPT SUCH PERSONS OPERATING U.S.-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT FOR A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER; AND ALL OPERATORS OF CIVIL AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES, EXCEPT WHEN THE OPERATOR OF SUCH AIRCRAFT IS A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER.
B. PERMITTED OPERATIONS. THIS NOTAM DOES NOT PROHIBIT PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A (APPLICABILITY) ABOVE FROM CONDUCTING FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THE ABOVE-NAMED AREA WHEN SUCH OPERATIONS ARE AUTHORIZED EITHER BY ANOTHER AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FAA OR BY A DEVIATION, EXEMPTION, OR OTHER AUTHORIZATION ISSUED BY THE FAA ADMINISTRATOR. OPERATORS MUST CALL THE FAA WASHINGTON OPERATIONS CENTER AT 202-267-3333 TO INITIATE COORDINATION FOR FAA AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT OPERATIONS.
C. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. IN AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING IMMEDIATE DECISION AND ACTION FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT IN COMMAND OF AN AIRCRAFT MAY DEVIATE FROM THIS NOTAM TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THAT EMERGENCY.
THIS NOTAM IS AN EMERGENCY ORDER ISSUED UNDER 49 USC 40113(A), 44701(A)(5), AND 46105(C). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AT: HTTPS://WWW.FAA.GOV/AIR_TRAFFIC/PUBLICATIONS/US_RESTRICTIONS/.
SFC - FL999, 24 FEB 19:30 2022 UNTIL PERM. CREATED: 24 FEB 19:22 2022
Source: Canada
Reference: AIC 21/24
Issued: 24-Feb-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Canadian operators are prohibited from the airspace of Ukraine, including the contested UKFV/Simferopol FIR over Crimea (claimed by Russia as the URFV FIR).
Level 3 (prohibition)
SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN UKRAINE. Canadian Air Operators and owners of aircraft registered in Canada are prohibited from entering FIR:
• Dnipropetrovsk (UKDV), Kiev (UKBV), L’viv (UKLV), Odesa (UKOV) and Simferopol (UKFV), in the airspace of Ukraine;
• FIR Rostov (URRV), in the airspace of Russia; and,
• Are prohibited from operating within 200nm of the boundaries of FIR UKDV and FIR UKBV in FIR Moscow (UUWV).
Potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry and military operations.
SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN UKRAINE. Canadian Air Operators and owners of aircraft registered in Canada are prohibited from entering FIR:
• Dnipropetrovsk (UKDV), Kiev (UKBV), L’viv (UKLV), Odesa (UKOV) and Simferopol (UKFV), in the airspace of Ukraine;
• FIR Rostov (URRV), in the airspace of Russia; and,
• Are prohibited from operating within 200nm of the boundaries of FIR UKDV and FIR UKBV in FIR Moscow (UUWV).
Potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry and military operations.
Source: Germany
Reference: AIC 06/24
Issued: 24-Feb-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: German operators are prohibited from the airspace of Ukraine, including the contested UKFV/Simferopol FIR over Crimea (claimed by Russia as the URFV FIR).
Level 3 (Highest Risk - Do Not Enter). Civil German air operators are prohibited to enter FIR DNIPROPETROVSK (UKDV), FIR SIMFEROPOL (UKFV), FIR LVIV (UKLV), FIR ODESA (UKOV), FIR KYIV (UKBV) and UIR KYIV (UKBU). Potential risk from state of war.
Further information: Website of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport of Germany (www.BMVI.DE/KRISENMANAGEMENT).
Further information: Website of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport of Germany (www.BMVI.DE/KRISENMANAGEMENT).
Source: UK
Reference: UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5)
Issued: 24-Feb-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: UK operators are prohibited from the airspace of Ukraine, including the contested UKFV/Simferopol FIR over Crimea (claimed by Russia as the URFV FIR).
Security - Hazardous Situation in Ukraine
In accordance with Direction under the Aviation Security Act 1982, UK registered air operators so served are prohibited to enter FIR LVIV (UKLV), FIR SIMFEROPOL (UKFV), FIR ODESA (UKOV), FIR KYIV (UKBV) and FIR DNIPROPETROVSK (UKDV) / territory and airspace of Ukraine. Potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry and heightened military activity.
UK operators not currently subject to direction under the Aviation Security Act should contact UK Department for Transport (DfT) before operating in this area.
Contact UK Department for Transport +44 (0)207-082 6639 or +44 (0)207-944 3111 out of hours.
In accordance with Direction under the Aviation Security Act 1982, UK registered air operators so served are prohibited to enter FIR LVIV (UKLV), FIR SIMFEROPOL (UKFV), FIR ODESA (UKOV), FIR KYIV (UKBV) and FIR DNIPROPETROVSK (UKDV) / territory and airspace of Ukraine. Potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry and heightened military activity.
UK operators not currently subject to direction under the Aviation Security Act should contact UK Department for Transport (DfT) before operating in this area.
Contact UK Department for Transport +44 (0)207-082 6639 or +44 (0)207-944 3111 out of hours.
Source: France
Reference: AIC 15/24
Issued: 24-Feb-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: French operators should not enter the airspace of Ukraine, including the contested UKFV/Simferopol FIR over Crimea (claimed by Russia as the URFV FIR).
From 27/06/2024 and until further notice, following the military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian federation which poses a high risk to civilian flights operating at all altitudes and at all flight levels, pilots in command of aircraft performing air services mentioned in paragraph 1.1 are requested:
- Not to enter FIR LVIV (UKLV), FIR KYIV (UKBV), FIR DNIPROPETROVSK (UKDV), FIR SIMFEROPOL (UKFV), FIR ODESA (UKOV) and FIR MINSK (UMMV);
- Not to enter within 200 nm of the Ukrainian border into the FIR MOSCOW (UUWV) and ROSTOV-NA-DONU (URRV) and
- Exercise extreme caution when conducting flights beyond 200 Nm of the Ukrainian borders in FIR MOSCOW (UUWV) and FIR ROSTOV-NA-DONU (URRV).
- Not to enter FIR LVIV (UKLV), FIR KYIV (UKBV), FIR DNIPROPETROVSK (UKDV), FIR SIMFEROPOL (UKFV), FIR ODESA (UKOV) and FIR MINSK (UMMV);
- Not to enter within 200 nm of the Ukrainian border into the FIR MOSCOW (UUWV) and ROSTOV-NA-DONU (URRV) and
- Exercise extreme caution when conducting flights beyond 200 Nm of the Ukrainian borders in FIR MOSCOW (UUWV) and FIR ROSTOV-NA-DONU (URRV).