Background to the measure
Military exercises regularly require special airspace regulations to prevent conflicts between military and civilian air traffic. In Germany, such areas are designated as ED-R ("Restricted Area") and activated for the specific purpose for a limited period of time.
For the beginning of September, the Federal Ministry of Transport ED-R "Ramstein" was set up. It serves to protect military flights and manoeuvres in the immediate vicinity of the NATO base in Ramstein, which traditionally plays a central role in multinational exercises.
Geographical extent and height distribution
The lateral boundary of the area covers an area around Ramstein in Rhineland-Palatinate. The polygon, which is defined by geographical coordinates, extends over several kilometres around the airbase.
The vertical limit extends from the floor (GND) up to a height of 3,600 feet above sea level. This specifically protects the lower airspace in which both military helicopter movements and low-flying training missions can be carried out.
Temporal activation
The flight restriction applies from 2 to 5 September 2025. Activation times are scheduled daily in several blocks:
- 08:00 to 10:00 UTC
- 12:00 to 15:00 UTC
- 16:00 to 18:00 UTC
- 19:00 to 21:00 UTC
This means that there are four time slots per day in which the airspace is reserved exclusively for the exercise. Outside of these times, the zone is reopened for civilian traffic.
Effects on civil air traffic
During the activation periods, all flights by non-participating aircraft are prohibited. This includes:
- Motorised aircraft and gliders
- Microlight aircraft
- Helicopter
- Drones and model aircraft
Only the following are permitted:
- Flights of the Bundeswehr and allied armed forces
- State aircraft
- Police flights
- Rescue and disaster control flights
- Ambulance flights
For civilian pilots, this means that alternative routes must be planned or flight times adjusted. Drone pilots and model flying clubs in the Ramstein area should also adhere strictly to the regulations.
Significance for general aviation
DFS recommends that all pilots carry out a Flight counselling and to obtain the daily updated NOTAMs carefully. In this way, short-term closures can be reliably taken into account.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)