Why was airspace C around Berlin lowered?
The Airspace C includes in Germany Controlled areasin which Instrument aircraft have priority. In these areas, only aircraft with a explicit release the air traffic control.
Airspace C is of particular importance around large commercial airports such as BER, as this is where Long-haul jets, medium-haul aircraft and business jets are travelling at low altitude on their approach or departure routes.
Problems before the lowering
Before the airspace C was lowered to 1,500 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) it came repeated airspace violations by VFR pilotsthat accidentally or intentionally flew into this controlled airspace.
- In the year 2023 were 86 Airspace violations registered.
- In some cases, these incidents led to potentially dangerous approaches between VFR and IFR traffic.
- The commercial airports were particularly affected Saarmund (EDCS), Schönhagen (EDAZ) and Strausberg (EDAY)which are located in the immediate vicinity of Berlin's airspace.
Objective of the measure: The lowering of the lower limit was intended to create a larger safety buffer that would allow the air traffic controllers to act, intervene earlier in critical situations.
Current situation: Airspace violations remain at a high level
Following the reduction of airspace C, many expected the situation to improve significantly. However, a look at the current figures for 2024 shows that the problem has not disappeared.
- 89 Airspace offences were registered in 2024 - three more than in the previous year.
- 50 % of the offences have been destroyed by aeroplanes of the Echo class (general aviation, single-engine aircraft) caused.
- 17 % of the offences were attributable to microlight aircraft (licence plate DM-...).
- The remaining offences related to other aircraft classes, which were not specified.
A small security gain despite a negative balance sheet
Despite the continued high number of airspace violations, the measure resulted in a decisive advantage for safety.
- The Air traffic controllers could now intervene earlier and defuse dangerous situations.
- Approaching IFR traffic was diverted earlier or requested to abort the descentwhen an intrusion of a VFR aircraft has been detected.
- DFS is increasingly working with the Flight Information Service (FIS) and with the neighbouring airfieldsto inform pilots of an airspace violation as quickly as possible and guide them out of airspace C.
Despite these improvements, the question remains: Why do airspace violations over Berlin continue to occur so frequently?
Reasons for the high number of airspace violations
Berlin's airspace is one of the most complex airspaces in Germany. Several factors contribute to the fact that unauthorised flights into airspace C continue to occur.
1. high traffic density and complicated structures
- Around Berlin there are numerous Small aerodromeswho work intensively for Training flights and private flights be utilised.
- Especially in the vicinity of Schönhagen, Strausberg and Saarmund, it can quickly come to Navigation errors come.
2. unclear radio communication or missing requests
- Many pilots, especially from private aviation, do not obtain approvalbecause they are not aware that they are approaching airspace C.
- Unclear position information or No radio link to air traffic control lead to violations only being recognised at a late stage.
3. use of GPS without precise preparation
- Modern GPS systems are useful, but not every pilot checks his route carefully before the flight.
- A small deviation from the planned course can result in a pilot moving into airspace C unnoticed.
4. lack of experience and training
- Especially less experienced VFR pilots or students in training have difficulties finding their way around Berlin's complex airspace structures.
- Not everyone is sufficiently familiar with the airspace structure and the necessary procedures.
Possible solutions: What can be done?
In order to reduce the number of airspace violations Further measures necessary.
- Better training and sensitisation of VFR pilots
- Flight schools should focus more on the challenges in Berlin's airspace.
- New technologies such as Geofencing warning systems in flight apps could help.
- Improved radio communication
- Pilots should be encouraged to meet regularly with FIS or DFS in order to avoid uncertainties.
- Better flight planning and use of modern navigation aids
- Anyone flying in the vicinity of airspace C should familiarise yourself with the current airspace structure beforehand.
- A second backup navigation system can help you to orientate yourself more precisely.
Conclusion: More security, but still major challenges
Although the lowering of airspace C over Berlin to 1,500 feet has created a better safety buffer, the number of airspace violations remains high.
- The causes are manifoldHigh traffic density, navigation errors and a lack of radio communication play a key role.
- Air traffic control can now intervene earlierwhich increases safety - but does not solve the problem.
- Further measures are necessaryto better prepare pilots for the Berlin airspace structure.
Hopefully, new training concepts and improved technologies will have an effect so that the number of offences in the Season 2025 decreases significantly. The safety of all air travellers should be the top priority.
Source references:
Aviation magazine