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LLZZ / Israel
15-Sep
Air defences were active over the weekend. On Sep 15, a long range ballistic missile fired by Houthi rebels in Yemen landed in central Israel. Fighting was also reported in the far north with a large number of Hezbollah rockets fired across the border. Ops at LLBG/Tel Aviv briefly stopped. These events do not present a significant change to overflight risk in the LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR but are a reminder to be prepared for short notice airspace closures at all times. See safeairspace.net for a full risk briefing.
NWWW / Noumea New Caledonia
15-Sep
Update on ops. Civil unrest is still being reported in the capital, and restrictions were tightened again last week. This has been an ongoing issue since riots effectively shut the country down back in May. The airport itself is open and operating without restrictions but layovers should be avoided due to crew safety in the capital.
HEZZ / Egypt
13-Sep
The UK has renewed its airspace warnings for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba: operators should use extra caution due to increased military activity in the area. Spillover risks in the region from the conflict in Gaza/Israel continue to be present. See safeairspace.net for more info.
ZKZZ / North Korea
12-Sep
North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Sep 11 which landed in the Sea of Japan. As per usual, no airspace warnings were issued in advance. It was the first public weapons firing in more than two months and may indicate an intention to resume them on a regular basis. This can put aircraft operating in or near the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR at increased risk from falling debris. Safeairspace.net has more info.
MTZZ / Haiti
11-Sep
The FAA has extended its airspace warning for Haiti, which says that operators should talk to ATC directly for the current status of airports, given ongoing civil unrest and security risks. Gangs continue to control much of the capital and the US still advises against all travel to the country. For flights, crew security cannot be guaranteed.
HKZZ / Kenya
10-Sep
There are no longer any official airspace warnings for Kenya. The US warning advising caution below FL260 in the border region with Somalia expired in Feb 2023, and the long-standing UK warning advising against low-level flights across the HKNA/Nairobi FIR expired in Sep 2024.
HEZZ / Egypt
10-Sep
The UK has cancelled its long-standing airspace warning for Egypt, as well as the more recent Notams warning of increased risk over the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea due to the conflict in Israel/Gaza. So now, the only remaining official airspace warning for Egypt is published by Germany, advising against overflights below FL260 in the northern part of the Sinai region.
ESSA / Stockholm Sweden
10-Sep
The airport was closed for two hours on Sep 9 after a drone was seen over a runway. The police suspect it was a deliberate act of sabotage, but haven’t caught whoever was responsible yet. An investigation is underway.
EZZZ / Europe
09-Sep
Russia carried out a major drone strike on Ukraine on Sep 7. Airspace infringements were reported in both Latvia and Romania. This follows similar events in Poland in recent weeks. Spillover risks from the conflict in adjacent airspace are becoming more frequent. When active, air defence activity may put aircraft operating in open airspace at increased risk from misidentification. The safest option is to route well clear of the Ukrainian and Belarusian borders in all adjacent FIRs.
HCMM / Mogadishu Somalia
09-Sep
There were a series of mortar attacks in areas near the airport on Sep 8. This follows an attack by Al-Shabaab at a nearby beach a few days prior. The security situation here is bleak at best - high profile locations are often targeted including aviation interests. Overflights using the Mogadishu FIR’s Class A airspace above need to be aware of the substantial risks of an unplanned landing. Safeairspace.net has more.
XPAC /
08-Sep
NOPAC routes between the US and Asia will be impacted by a Russian rocket launch between September 9-11. A section of oceanic airspace southeast of the Kamchatka Peninsula will be closed from surface to FL500 each day between 01-18z (PAZA Notam 0962/24 refers). Both the Anchorage and Fukuoka FIRs have issued revised routes for these times for both east and westbound traffic. For that info see PAZA Notams A0963 and RJJJ Q2307.
OJZZ / Jordan
05-Sep
Jordan has reduced its traffic fuel advisory for all aircraft in the OJAC/Amman FIR to thirty minutes (from forty-five). The extra gas is a contingency measure due to a chance of sudden airspace closure in event of military offensives in the region. It appears the situation has stabilised enough for the fuel requirement to be lowered, but not enough to get rid of it completely. OJAC Notam A0305/24 refers.
HCZZ / Somalia
03-Sep
Ongoing issue in Somalia of aircraft being contacted and given conflicting instructions by fake ATC. There’s an updated HCSM/Mogadishu FIR Notam which clarifies the area in the northern half of the country (i.e. where all these issues have been happening) where Mogadishu ATC (i.e. the real ATC) will only issue level change instructions to aircraft via CPDLC or SATCOM. Bottom line, if you’re overflying up north and get a call on the radio, ignore it. For the full background to all this, check safeairspace.net
EDZZ / Germany
01-Sep
Germany authorities have warned aviation companies after several incendiary devices were sent in parcels in recent weeks, and started fires while in transit to other European countries. This appears malicious, and the parcels were sent via a mainstream freight service provider who has beefed up screening as a result. It’s possible there may still be some in circulation.
EDZZ / Germany
29-Aug
Multiple climate activist groups are planning demonstrations in Munich from Aug 31 - Sep 1. Aviation has not been mentioned as a specific target, however ‘Last Generation’ is involved who have previously targeted airports this summer. Take special care at EDDM/Munich when leaving an aircraft unattended, and consider parking away from perimeter fences.
OAZZ / Afghanistan
27-Aug
Canada have issued a new Notam which amends their airspace warning for Afghanistan. Canadian operators can now overfly any part of the OAKX/Kabul FIR at FL320 or above - they are no longer limited to the P500 and G500 airways in the far east of the country. There’s been no change to the situation in Afghanistan though: there’s no ATC service here at all, overflights must be on specific contingency routes, and there remains an extreme threat to aircraft and crew safety and security on the ground.
EPZZ / Poland
27-Aug
Russia carried out a major drone attack against targets in Ukraine on Aug 26. At least one infringed the EPWW/Warsaw FIR near its southeastern border. Spill-over risks from the conflict continue to be present in Polish airspace where there are no active warnings. Incidents involving errant cruise missiles have also been reported in recent months.
OLZZ / Lebanon
25-Aug
Several major carriers have suspended flights to OLBA/Beirut following the exchange of heavy fire between Israel and Lebanon at the weekend. Existing airspace warnings remain in place for the OLBB/Beirut FIR. Pre-existing airspace warnings issued by the UK and Canada advise operators not to enter at any level due to risks posed by military activity, especially near the border with Israel. See safeairspace.net for a full briefing.
XMID /
25-Aug
In the past 72 hours there have been a series of major changes to GPS Spoofing patterns in the Middle East. Since Saturday morning, instead of the now usual spoofed-to position of OLBA/Beirut, the spoofed-to position has changed to OJAI/Amman Queen Alia (specifically, the midpoint of Runway 08R/26L). Around 1,100 flights have been spoofed to this position in the last 36 hours. However, no significant change to the enroute locations to expect spoofing - these remain the same. Earlier, on Thursday and Friday of the past week, the spoofed-to position had switched to a position in the eastern Mediterranean Sea; that has now stopped. Attached imagery shows the positions of spoofed aircraft in the last 36 hours, with cockpit photos and EFB from a Boeing 777 eastbound enroute. Knowledge of the spoofed-to position is helpful for crews to confirm that spoofing is taking place. See the GPS Spoofing updates page in link for more information.
LLZZ / Israel
25-Aug
Over the weekend, Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon. These were reportedly to prevent imminent rocket and missile attacks by Hezbollah. LLBG/Tel Aviv airport closed temporarily but has since reopened. Hezbollah then responded with their own strikes. A series of Notams are now in effect until Aug 31, restricting overflights of Israeli airspace between the LCCC/Nicosia and OJAC Amman FIRs and closing a number of airway segments affecting east/west transits of Northern Israel - likely due to ongoing military activity.
FZZZ / Democratic Republic of the Congo
23-Aug
The UK has extended its airspace warning for Congo DRC. It advises operators not to enter the airspace along the border between Congo DRC and Rwanda below 25,000ft AGL, due to the potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry. So that risk area basically includes a big chunk of airspace to the west of HRYR/Kigali over FZNA/Goma airport.
UUZZ / Russia
22-Aug
Ukraine carried out a major drone strike targeting the Moscow area early on Aug 21. Air defences shot down several just south of the city near UUDD/Domodedovo where ops were briefly suspended, along with UUWW/Vnukovo and UUBW/Zhukovsky airports. It was the largest attack on the capital using drones since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. For a full airspace risk briefing on Russia, see safeairspace.net.
ZZZZ / Worldwide
19-Aug
The World Health Organisation has declared an outbreak of the mpox virus a public health emergency of international concern. The centre of the outbreak is D.R.Congo, with other cases reported in several African countries. So far there has been very little impact to aviation ops - airports in Pakistan and Bangladesh have begun using thermal scanners for pax from badly affected countries and others may soon follow. No aviation specific guidance has been issued by authorities.
EDZZ / Germany
15-Aug
Activists broke into several airports in Germany early on Aug 15 to stage protests: EDDB/Berlin, EDDK/Cologne, EDDN/Nuernberg, and EDDS/Stuttgart. Flights were temporarily suspended at a couple of these, but ops are back to normal now. It looks like Germany might be starting to take this problem more seriously, as the Interior Ministry recently introduced a draft law to increase the punishment for people who trespass at airports.
UKZZ / Ukraine
15-Aug
The Black Sea is one of two major spoofing hotspots at present. This predominantly affects traffic routing Europe-Asia and vv. In a surprise move, Ukraine has taken action directly against the spoofers, who were transmitting from a disused oil rig near Crimea. The Ukrainian Navy destroyed the oil rig, putting an end to this spoofing location. In the past week, we have seen spoofing levels in this area reduce significantly, confirmed by ADS-B data from SkAI and Spirent. The Ukrainian Navy said, “The occupiers used this location for GPS spoofing to endanger civilian navigation. We cannot allow this”. The focus of the spoofing was on maritime vessels, but civilian aircraft receive the same spoofed signals. This does not mean that spoofing is coming to an end in the Black Sea, but this is the first sign of action being taken directly against military spoofing platforms that are causing the GNSS interference issues we are now dealing with. Full spoofing updates are now in the Special Briefing in the OPSGROUP Member Dashboard, see link.
XEUR /
14-Aug
Since Aug 13, a new area of GPS Spoofing has been detected in the very western part of Ukraine, in the vicinity of L'viv (UKLL). Aircraft impacted by the Spoofing encounter have been enroute through Poland (Warsaw FIR), Slovakia (Bratislava FIR), Hungary (Budapest FIR), and Romania (Bucharest FIR). Aircraft types affected in this particular spoof event include Airbus 350, Embraer 195, Airbus 321, and a Boeing 737MAX.
This is a significant development because until now, spoofing on Black Sea routes (which handle most Europe-Asia traffic) had ended by the time westbound aircraft had coasted in over Romania or Bulgaria. Now, it means that spoofing continues to be likely until west of central Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. This is approx. 450nm or one hours flying later. Equally, eastbound aircraft should now be prepared for spoofing from central Poland onwards. The new spoofing has been confirmed by both Spirent, and SkAI, who monitor these events.
Full details are in a new Special Briefing in your member Dashboard, which now has rolling updates on new GPS Spoofing locations and changes. See link for more.
This is a significant development because until now, spoofing on Black Sea routes (which handle most Europe-Asia traffic) had ended by the time westbound aircraft had coasted in over Romania or Bulgaria. Now, it means that spoofing continues to be likely until west of central Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. This is approx. 450nm or one hours flying later. Equally, eastbound aircraft should now be prepared for spoofing from central Poland onwards. The new spoofing has been confirmed by both Spirent, and SkAI, who monitor these events.
Full details are in a new Special Briefing in your member Dashboard, which now has rolling updates on new GPS Spoofing locations and changes. See link for more.
EPZZ / Poland
13-Aug
A brief period of large-scale GPS spoofing was detected in Southeastern Poland near Krakow on Aug 13 , and affected at least ten aircraft in the EPWW/Warsaw FIR. ADS-B data incorrectly displayed the aircraft positions as being inside Ukrainian airspace. A long-running warning for GPS interference remains in place for the Warsaw FIR and urges operators to report any issues to ATC.
VGHS / Dhaka Bangladesh
08-Aug
Temporary airport closures have continued in recent days - the latest was Aug 8. The country is in a state of emergency due to political instability and riots. There are significant risks for any crew layovers right now. The US Dept. of State is advising not to go there. Tech stops should have solid contingency plans in place for other options.
VYZZ / Myanmar
08-Aug
A member reports experiencing spoofing in the Yangon FIR (Myanmar), inbound to the Mandalay (MDY) VOR. To date, jamming in this area has been common, but spoofing has not been seen. This may be changing. This crew were first alerted by the autopilot suddenly commencing an uncommanded right turn. EICAS showed "CHECK IRS 1/2/3 position". ATC provided radar vectors. By position AKSAG the situation was resolved, and GPS came back online.
OLZZ / Lebanon
07-Aug
The UK has upgraded its Security Notam for Lebanon to "Do not Enter". The warning reads: AIRSPACE SECURITY WARNING ISSUED BY THE UK DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT. UK REGISTERED AIR OPERATORS ARE RECOMMENDED NOT TO ENTER FIR BEIRUT (OLBB) DUE TO POTENTIAL RISK TO AVIATION FROM MILITARY ACTIVITY. See SafeAirspace.net link for further.
XMID /
07-Aug
Egypt has issued a Notam a short time ago, warning Egyptian carriers not to overfly the Tehran FIR tonight between 0100 and 0400 UTC. The full text of the Notam (HECC A0363/24) reads ALL EGYPTIAN CARRIERS SHALL AVOID OVERFLYING TEHRAN FIR. NO FLIGHT PLAN WILL BE ACCEPTED OVERFLYING SUCH TERRITORY, valid 0100-0400Z. Such a Notam from Egypt is very unusual. It is possible that this is an indicator of an Iranian response to Israel, and in turn a potentially large set of airspace disruptions - at the same time, there may be another reason. We suggest monitoring closely.
VGZZ / Bangladesh
05-Aug
Violent civil unrest has continued in Dhaka. The US Embassy has issued a new alert that the prime minister has fled the country and there will be an interim government formed. VGHS/Dhaka closed for seven hours on August 5 due to protests but has reopened. There are still demonstrators reported on the access road. The situation is unpredictable - more short notice disruptions are expected in the coming days.
XMID /
05-Aug
Update on the Middle East: The situation remains tense, but there has been no activity. A strike by Iran/allies on Israel could happen at any moment with short notice. A series of Notams issued by Iran yesterday has been wrongly reported in the media as the commencement of airspace closures ahead of a strike. See OPSGROUP clarification note. Jordan has extended their “45 minute fuel” NOTAM. Full updates are in the Middle East Briefing in the OPSGROUP Member Dashboard, see link.
ORZZ / Iraq
05-Aug
A new warning has been issued by Notam for GPS jamming and spoofing in the northern portion of the ORBB/Bahdad FIR (Notam A0310/24). Official advice is limited - advise ATC without delay and expect vectors. The risk of GPS interference is likely elevated right now due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
XMID /
03-Aug
Update on the Middle East: The situation remains tense: a strike on Israel is expected, but no definite timing. If it does occur, it is likely to happen without much notice.The US is sending the additional Navy cruisers and destroyers – which can shoot down ballistic missiles – to the Middle East and Europe, and the US will also send an additional squadron of fighter jets to the Middle East. KLM has cancelled all flights to Israel until October, with around 10 airlines now doing the same. The ICAO/IATA Contingency Coordination Team (CCT) is now activated for Middle East. All Middle East Airspace currently "Ops Normal". An FAA Information Note is published "Israel/Lebanon /Iran: Heightened tensions Following Multiple Strikes in the Middle East – Aug 2, 2024". Full updates are in the Middle East Briefing in the OPSGROUP Member Dashboard, see link.
OJZZ / Jordan
02-Aug
Jordan is now requiring all operators to carry an additional 45 minutes of contingency fuel, when planning a destination in the Jordan FIR. This includes OJAM/Amman (Queen Alia), OJAI/Amman (Marka), and OJAQ/Aqaba. This is on top of regulatory fuel reserves. OJAC/Amman FIR Notam A0268/24 refers. The background is the anticipated closure of Jordanian airspace in the context of an Iranian offensive on Israel - see the full Member briefing in the Dashboard via the link.
XMID /
01-Aug
Israel is preparing for an attack from Iran and its allies, in response to the death of several high-profile leaders. Iran has indicated that its response will be strong. The impact to civil aviation will include increased risk at airports in Israel, large-scale short notice FIR closures, increased GPS Spoofing, and risk of drones and missiles crossing airways. This risk applies across the Middle East, but especially to operations in/over Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. No definite date or time is likely to be given ahead of the offensive. However as things stand, OPSGROUP estimates that the most likely commencement time is Friday or Saturday night (August 2 or 3). A similar situation occured in April 2024, but we believe that this response will be on a larger scale, and will be more sustained. An aerial attack on Israel by Iran and its allies may last several days, or longer. A full briefing with analysis, airspace impacts, route options, permit info, SafeAirspace levels, and risk assessment is available in the OPSGROUP Members Dashboard (Special Briefings section) - see link.
OLZZ / Lebanon
31-Jul
Israel carried out an airstrike in Beirut on July 30. The target was a short distance north of OLBA/Beirut. This follows news yesterday that several major carriers had stopped flying there. There are now credible concerns the airport may soon close completely. Risks to civil aviation from military activity in Lebanese airspace have escalated in recent days. See our latest article for a full briefing.
SVZZ / Venezuela
31-Jul
The US Embassy has re-issued a warning not to travel to Venezuela. There has been violent civil unrest across Caracas since a disputed election was held on July 28. Protests have been reported outside SVMI/Caracas airport. The main road to and from the airport has also been blocked by protesters. Essentially crew layovers were dangerous before, and now even more so.
OLZZ / Lebanon
30-Jul
Risk to aircraft operating over Lebanon is increasing. Following rocket attacks at the weekend, the outbreak of a larger scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is looking increasingly likely. Several airlines have temporarily suspended flights to OLBA/Beirut airport. Canada has issued a new Notam advising operators to avoid Lebanese airspace at all levels. See our latest article for a full briefing.
OLZZ / Lebanon
30-Jul
Canada has issued a new Notam advising operators not to enter the OLBB/Beirut FIR at all levels due to a risk of military activity. Other states are expected to soon follow. Overflight risks are changing in Lebanon - see our latest article for a full briefing.
LOZZ / Austria
30-Jul
Austria has issued a new Notam that sudden closures of airports are possible due to action by climate protestors. It suggests operators plan for unexpected delays along with limited capacity at alternates. LOVV Notam A1700/24 refers. It is the first time we have seen a Notam like this. Environmental groups across Europe have been especially active in recent weeks to coincide with peak travel season.
OLZZ / Lebanon
30-Jul
The US Embassy has issued an alert to citizens that scheduled flights to/from Beirut may change or be cancelled at short notice. They’re also recommending anyone there develop a ‘crisis plan’ to leave if the current situation escalates. There are widespread concerns a larger conflict between Hezbollah and Israel may be imminent.
XMID /
29-Jul
There was significant cross border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon over the weekend. A large number of rockets were fired into Northern Israel followed by airstrikes on various targets well inside Lebanese territory. There are wider fears the situation may soon escalate into a full-scale conflict. Overflights should avoid the border region at all levels - sporadic rocket fire and air defence activity may be putting civil aircraft at increased risk.
EHAM / Amsterdam Netherlands
26-Jul
Extinction Rebellion will be protesting at the airport some time during the day on July 27. The only info the local handlers have is that they are expected to be protesting outside the main airline terminal, will not come inside, and will not be at the bizav terminal. Other groups have said they will also be protesting at airports in Europe on July 27 - the most likely targets are LOWW/Vienna, LSZH/Zurich and EGKK/Gatwick, but organizers have not yet confirmed any specific location.
SLLP / La Paz Bolivia
25-Jul
There might be political protests taking place near the airport on July 26. Official advice is to allow extra time for the commute, and check ahead for any roadblocks.
XEUR /
25-Jul
Climate activists broke into EDDK/Cologne airport yesterday, and glued themselves to a runway. The same thing happened at EDDF/Frankfurt today. One of the groups (Last Generation) has announced it will continue to target airports over the coming weeks. Demonstrations are planned for July 27 - the most likely targets are LOWW/Vienna, LSZH/Zurich and EGKK/Gatwick. Just Stop Oil are also involved who were responsible for vandalising jets at Stansted recently. So far the best advice from OPSGROUP members is to request parking away from perimeter fences and to consider hiring security (but beware, it’s expensive).
EGSS / London Stansted United Kingdom
23-Jul
An update on security measures following the incident on June 20 when two protestors broke into the airport and sprayed a jet with paint. The airport fence contains sensors that alerted the authorities quickly but the airport is taking steps to beef this up and have increased the roving patrols of security personnel and the airport police. News on the protestors: these two individuals are now in jail having been denied bail whilst they await their hearing, and further arrests have been made. This should hopefully dampen enthusiasm for further attempts at UK airports.
LLZZ / Israel
23-Jul
There was a drone strike on Tel Aviv on July 19. It was distinct for two reasons - the modified device was the first recorded direct attack on the city by Houthi Rebels in Yemen, and it avoided interception by air defences. There has been no immediate change to ops in the LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR, but the event may escalate existing risks. Overflights need to remain prepared for short notice airspace closures if air defence activity takes place.
HKJK / Nairobi Kenya
22-Jul
There are demonstrations planned at the airport today to protest against government corruption. Looks like the plan is to block terminal entrances and roads to the airport. Authorities have said they have increased security, and installed some checkpoints on the roads. At least 50 people have died since these protests in Kenya began in mid-June.
VGHS / Dhaka Bangladesh
22-Jul
There were mass casualties from violent civil unrest in the city last week. The military has been deployed, and there is currently no internet or phone service available. The US has upgraded its warning for Bangladesh to the highest level - Do Not Travel. The Embassy is advising anyone already there to shelter in place. Stops here should be avoided until the situation improves.
XEUR /
22-Jul
Activists intend to target aviation interests across Europe starting from July 27. The group is most active in Germany, Austria, Italy and Poland but has also hinted at plans in the UK, Norway, Netherlands and Switzerland. They were recently responsible for breaching a perimeter fence at Munich airport and glueng themselves to taxiways. Where practical, additional security for unattended aircraft would be a good idea - especially during peak Summer season.
HKZZ / Kenya
18-Jul
Violent political protests are still happening - especially in Nairobi. The latest advice from the US Embassy is to carry your passport and visa with you at all times and avoid crowds. For the commute to and from the airport, keep doors locked and check ahead for roadblocks. A safer option for layovers would be to stay close to the airport right now.
EDZZ / Germany
18-Jul
Environmental activists are planning to demonstrate in Bremen and Munich on July 20. While aviation hasn’t been mentioned as a specific target, Extinction Rebellion are involved who have recently shown an interest in interfering with unattended business jets. Be mindful of aircraft security if parking up during this period.
ZZZZ / Worldwide
17-Jul
Canada have issued a new AIC with their airspace warnings for various different countries around the world. Nothing has really changed though - they basically just moved their airspace warnings for Israel and Lebanon from Notams into the AIC. Download via the link, and check safeairspace.net for more info.
ZZZZ / Worldwide
15-Jul
The GPS Spoofing problem is growing. With a new "spoofed to" location confirmed over the weekend as Novorossiysk (closest airport URKA/Anapa), the number of locations has widened. Impacts of GPS interference are deepening. EGPWS is beginning to be routinely inhibited, and crews are becoming accustomed to ignoring alerts. CPDLC and TCAS degradations are now common. ATC separation is more challenging when RNP is degraded, especially in Oceanic areas. Clarity on GPS systems and how they actually work is missing. Deviations are being normalized. There is a latent, largely unaddressed and growing flight safety risk.
OPSGROUP believes that an accident directly caused by GPS Spoofing impacts is imminent. To address the issue, we are organizing a GPS Spoofing WorkGroup, starting this week. The industry needs to come together, share information, discuss the impact, give Flight Crew reliable guidance, and establish clear recommendations for a resolution of the issue. Everyone working on the GPS Spoofing topic is invited to join.
OPSGROUP believes that an accident directly caused by GPS Spoofing impacts is imminent. To address the issue, we are organizing a GPS Spoofing WorkGroup, starting this week. The industry needs to come together, share information, discuss the impact, give Flight Crew reliable guidance, and establish clear recommendations for a resolution of the issue. Everyone working on the GPS Spoofing topic is invited to join.
HSZZ / Sudan
14-Jul
Authorities have ordered foreign nationals to leave Khartoum state (including the capital) within two weeks. The security situation is deteriorating - fighting has been reported in Khartoum city including heavy machine gun fire near HSSK/Khartoum airport. The US Embassy there remains closed. The country is in a state of civil war - keep an eye out for any operational changes for overflights via the HSSS Notams.
LCZZ / Cyprus
14-Jul
Warnings for GPS jamming/spoofing have been reissued by Notam for LCLK/Larnaka and LCPH/Paphos. Aircraft continue to report serious impact to aircraft systems - they’re advising crew to be ready to switch to non-RNAV based procedures. Cyprus is a known hot spot for GPS interference. There have been several recent member reports of significant events including position shifts and erroneous EGPWS warnings.
LLZZ / Israel
12-Jul
An OPSGROUP Member report this week provides some interesting insight to the potential for GPS Spoofing even with the GPS de-selected. The crew departed LLBG/Tel Aviv in a G650, destination BIRK/Reykjavik. Crew report: "We shut down GPS's and Hybrid IRS 123 according to GAC procedure when taking off from spoofing and jamming region (Tel Aviv). Turned them back on 2 hours later over Turkey approaching Hungarian airspace. On approach at destination BIRK, descending IMC on RNP01, at around 4500 ft we got TERRAIN TERRAIN followed by PULL UP. Performed an escape manoeuvre, ATC advised we were on profile. Re-vectored for a second attempt, this time from a different IAF. FMS would not load the new IAF even after selecting it in the FMS and activating". The reason for the issues so much later in flight is not clear, but another member (GPS Technical Expert) suggests that even though GPS may be de-selected as an input, it is not completely "switched off", and spoofing can still have in impact on aircraft systems. Please send any new spoofing reports to team@ops.group.
LTZZ / Turkey
12-Jul
The Black Sea is one of the three primary GPS Spoofing hotspots at present. We are receiving early reports of a SECOND spoofing location here. To date, all spoofing in this region has shown Simferopol Airport (UKFF/URFF) as the fake location. A B777 on UM859 was spoofed to a new location near Novorossiysk, shown on the attached map. Crew report as follows: Eastbound, GPS ANP starts to degrade coasting out from Romania. Experience tells us that when ANP degrades to 0.2, it’s obvious that a GPS anomaly is about to occur. We inhibit FMC GPS and turn on DME/DME updates prior to getting spoofed. We have Bad Elf GPS backup to iPad that then shows ownship position disappears and then it’s replaced with the spoof. The spoof is not consistent. It spoofs, then disappears, then spoofs again at irregular intervals. This we believe confuses the onboard GPS even more. We noted that bad elf GPS reappeared close to BAK VOR and at that point we cancelled the GPS inhibit and ANP snapped back to 0.05. Early detection BEFORE EICAS is key to a swift return to normal operations. Total spoofing time approx 45 minutes.
XNAT /
09-Jul
An increasing problem on the NAT is aircraft crossing the ocean following a GPS Spoofing encounter. This reduces your capability from RNP4 to RNP10, and in busy westbound flows causes problems for Shanwick. It has also led to descents to FL280 and diversions to Iceland. The key is to advise ATC early, ideally at the RCL -90 minute mark, with a free text comment like ATC RMK/GPS DEGRADED RNP10 only. For a full guide to this issue see the new briefing in the link.
XNAT /
09-Jul
Watch out if planning a flight across the southern part of the KZWY/New York Oceanic and LPPO/Santa Maria FIRs today, and also off the coast of French Guiana. There’s a rocket launch planned, and these are the areas where they think debris will fall, some time from 1801-2317z. There are no flight planning restrictions - they’re just advising operators to avoid these areas! If the launch doesn’t go ahead today, they’ll try again every day until July 19, same time window will apply.
XEUR /
08-Jul
EASA has updated its Safety Information Bulletin which deals with GPS interference. There are no major changes to report - just updated guidance on the signs and symptoms to look out for (including hazardous effects on TAWS and hybrid IRS/GNSS positions) along with emphasis on the Middle East as being a growing area of concern.
OAZZ / Afghanistan
05-Jul
The US has slightly amended its airspace warning for Afghanistan, effective today. US operators remain permitted to overfly the OAKX/Kabul FIR at FL320 and above, but they can now use airways P500/G500 in the far east of the airspace at FL300 and above. The FAA’s reason for the change: some operators were struggling to use these airways at higher levels, there have been no incidents here so far, and you don’t spend much time at all in Afghan airspace when transiting them.
LLZZ / Israel
05-Jul
Hezbollah in Lebanon carried out a large-scale rocket and drone attack on Northern Israel on July 4. At least a hundred were fired, but most were intercepted. It is the latest in growing tension between the two countries with concerns a wider conflict may be imminent. There were no reports of flight disruptions but be wary of ops near the Lebanese border - several airspace warnings exist for the OLBB/Beirut FIR due to military activity. Safeairspace.net has more.
ZZZZ / Worldwide
02-Jul
France and Germany have both issued new AICs with their airspace warnings for various different countries around the world. They have basically cancelled all their Notams which carried extra airspace warnings for some countries, and incorporated these into the AICs. So, a tidying exercise essentially, with some minor wording changes.
VYTD / Thandwe Myanmar
02-Jul
Nothing in the Notams, but the US Embassy is reporting the airport is closed due to active fighting nearby. The country is in a state of civil war - several risks are reported for the VYYF/Yangon FIR including extensive GPS interference and military activity. See safeairspace.net for more info.
KZZZ / USA
02-Jul
A couple of things to be aware of if operating on July 4. TFRs for fireworks displays are being published by the FAA. There has also traditionally been an increased number of laser strikes on aircraft during this holiday. Make sure you report these - the FAA has more info on how to do this via the link.
KPWM / Portland USA
01-Jul
Look out for some hard-to-read Notams about Runway 11/29 being closed at night. You can still cross it, or use it for taxiing but don’t land or take off from it. There was an incident on June 25 - a 737 used it to depart and overflew men and equipment during this period.
OLZZ / Lebanon
01-Jul
The US Embassy has issued a warning reminding US citizens to avoid travel here. Several countries have also been advising their citizens to leave. The security situation is volatile, and there are signs a wider conflict with Israel may be imminent. Existing airspace warnings for the OLBB/Beirut FIR remain in place - most advise caution at all levels due to risk from military activity. Safeairspace.net has more info.