Background: Major events in the focus of airspace security
The Champions League final is one of the world's most important sporting events and attracts tens of thousands of spectators to the host cities every year - as well as millions in front of their screens. This year, the final will take place in the Munich stadium, which entails extensive security measures - including in the airspace.
Such events are considered a potential target for disruptions, acts of sabotage or unauthorised overflights by drones or small aircraft. For this reason, a so-called ED-R (Restricted Area) - an area with temporary flight restrictions - is regularly set up.
ED-R "Arena Munich" - Scope and duration
The restricted flight area that has now been established is called ED-R Arena Munich and is valid for the period from 31 May 2025, 17:00 UTC until 01 June 2025, 01:00 UTC. This corresponds to the local period from 19:00 to 03:00 CEST.
Technical parameters of the exclusion zone:
- Lateral limitation: Circle with a radius of 3 nautical miles (NM) around the coordinates 48°13′12″N / 011°36′52″E - exactly in the area of the Allianz Arena.
- Vertical limitation: From ground level (GND) to flight level FL100 (approximately 10,000 feet or around 3,000 metres above sea level).
This room contains all the Flights prohibitedincluding those involving model aircraft and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Exceptions and authorised activities
Only the following are explicitly excluded from blocking:
- State aircraft in direct connection with the UEFA event
- Police flights and flights on behalf of the police
- Rescue and disaster control flights
- Ambulance flights
- IFR flightsi.e. Instrument flight according to flight plan
Drone flights outside the 2 NM radius are permitted provided they operate in accordance with the statutory provisions of Section 21h LuftVO and do not exceed a flight altitude of 120 m AGL (above ground level).
The following are not permitted:
- Training flights
- Aerial photography, surveying and video flights
- Photography, also with IFR authorisation
Registration of authorised visual flights
Authorised flights under visual flight rules (VFR), for example by air rescue or special missions, are in advance at the Bavarian police helicopter squadron via radio frequency 135.600 MHz (POLICE INFO) to register.
During the entire stay in the ED-R, these flights must have a Permanent hearing readiness on this frequency. Authorisation to fly through in accordance with § 17 LuftVO is not generally granted.
Importance for pilots and drone operators
For general aviation, the flight ban means a significant restriction - especially for training flights, sightseeing flights or private flying activities in the Munich area. Drone pilots must also plan their missions for 31 May strictly and postpone them if necessary.
The Establishment of such exclusion zones However, this is standard international practice for major security-relevant events. Similar measures were recently taken at:
Papal visits or political commemorations
State visits and G7 summits
European and world football championships
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)