Spatial delimitation of the flight restriction area
The geographical location of the temporary no-fly zone extends south-west of Kaiserslautern in a polygonally defined area with the following coordinates:
- North-west: 49°37′30″ N / 07°31′01″ O
- South: 49°26′12″ N / 07°40′58″ O
- South-west: 49°25′57″ N / 07°30′32″ O
- West: 49°33′00″ N / 07°24′22″ O
- Back via further corner points to the initial set of coordinates
The area is located in the immediate vicinity of the Ramstein Air Baseone of NATO's most important military bases in Europe and a logistical hub for transatlantic troop movements.
Vertical limitation:
From GND (floor) until 3600 feet above sea level - which corresponds to an altitude of approx. 1100 metres above sea level. This means that the closure only affects the lower airspaceespecially for VFR flights, gliders, helicopters and drones.
Capitalisation periods
The flight restrictions apply not permanentbut within defined time windows on four consecutive days:
24 June 2025
- 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
- 14:00 - 17:00 UTC
- 19:00 - 24:00 UTC
25 June 2025
- 00:00 - 02:00 UTC
- 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
- 14:00 - 17:00 UTC
- 19:00 - 24:00 UTC
26 June 2025
- 00:00 - 02:00 UTC
- 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
- 14:00 - 17:00 UTC
- 19:00 - 24:00 UTC
27 June 2025
- 00:00 - 02:00 UTC
Particular attention should be paid to the partial activation in the Night hours - an unusual measure that is based on Realistic training scenarios at night points out.
Flight bans and exemptions
During the activated periods all civilian flights - manned and unmanned - are prohibited within the restricted area. This applies in particular:
- Visual flights (VFR)
- Gliders
- Microlight aircraft
- Helicopters in civilian operation
- Drone flights (UAS)
- Model flying activities
Exceptions apply exclusively to:
- Aircraft of the Bundeswehr and allied armed forces (e.g. USAF)
- State aircraft
- Police operations
- Rescue and disaster control flights
- Ambulance flights
All other flights are prohibited without exception - coordination with air traffic control or subsequent clearance is not provided for in this case.
Significance for general aviation
The restricted flight area ED-R Ramstein has a direct impact on local air traffic:
- Gliding clubs and Sports airfields in the surrounding area - including Landstuhl, Kusel, Zweibrücken and Pirmasens - must avoid the airspace.
- Drone flights (e.g. for agricultural or photographic purposes) are not permitted during the activation periods.
- Flying schools and Tour operator in the region must adapt their training and adventure flights accordingly.
Background: Ramstein as a key location for military logistics
The Ramstein Air Base is a NATO hub for operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. It is regularly the scene of large-scale exercises for logistical operational support, Evacuation scenarios, Deployment of troops or for the preparation of multinational airlift operations. The US military also uses the site for joint operations and night flight training.
The temporary no-fly zones serve to Protection of military airspace structuresthe Hazard defence for uninvolved civil aircraft and the Ensuring smooth military processes in the exercise scenario.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)