Objective and categorisation of the HX regulations
HX airspaces are locally limited, flexibly activatable airspaces within existing airspace classes. They are used to safely and efficiently control flight operations in complex traffic areas without introducing permanent large-scale restrictions. Activation is dependent on operational requirements, in particular on runway operations at large commercial airports or IFR traffic volumes.
The new announcement creates a standardised legal framework for all affected regions. At the same time, the previous regulation will be cancelled so that only the new HX procedures will apply from the effective date.
Entry into force and scope of application
The new regulations will enter into force on 19 March 2026. They apply to the following locally defined HX airspaces:
- Airspace D (not CTR) and TMZ Leipzig
- Airspace C Berlin
- Airspace D (not CTR) and TMZ Dresden
- TMZ Hanover
- TMZ Erfurt
- Airspace C Hamburg
- TMZ Friedrichshafen
The specific lateral and vertical demarcations as well as the sectoral division are defined regionally in each case and described in the corresponding diagrams.
Basic principle of HX airspaces
In all regions mentioned, the respective airspace is generally effective. However, certain sub-areas are designated as HX sectors and can be activated or deactivated depending on the operating situation. This flexibility makes it possible to open up more airspace for general aviation when traffic volumes are low, while increased protection is guaranteed when IFR traffic volumes are high.
If the status of an HX airspace cannot be clearly determined, it is generally considered to be active. This means that the responsibility for checking the status clearly lies with the pilots.
Information sources and activation procedures
HX airspace is activated and deactivated by the relevant air traffic control centre. The current status is announced via various channels, including VFR ATIS, aerodrome ATIS, FIS frequencies and direct information via „Langen Information“. Changes are generally announced at least ten minutes in advance.
Pilots who are in a deactivated HX airspace must remain on constant listening alert on the frequency used to query the status. This is to ensure that short-term activations are recognised in good time.
Behaviour on activation
If an HX airspace is activated, clear guidelines apply:
- In class D or C airspace, pilots must leave the affected airspace in good time or alternatively obtain a control clearance from the responsible radar radio centre.
- In TMZ (HX), aircraft without transponders must leave the airspace. Aircraft with transponders must switch to the published code and ensure that they are always ready to listen on the designated radar frequency.
These procedures apply with different frequencies depending on the region, but pursue the same goal everywhere: clear identification and safe staggering of traffic.
Regional specialities
Although the basic principles are identical, the HX regulations differ in detail. In some regions, HX sectors are dependent on the active runway, in others seasonal factors or actual IFR operations play a role. In some cases, HX airspaces are permanently active outside the opening hours of FIS, in other cases they can be deactivated on request.
This regional differentiation makes it clear that HX airspaces cannot be treated schematically, but require careful preparation for each individual region.
Significance for general aviation
For general aviation, the new HX regulations mean an increased need for planning and information, but also greater transparency. The interaction between IFR traffic and VFR flight operations will be more structured thanks to clearly defined procedures, fixed sources of information and standardised basic rules.
For VFR pilots in particular, it will become even more important in future to actively obtain information before and during the flight and to maintain radio discipline. The HX regulations are therefore a further step towards more dynamic, situation-dependent airspace management in Germany.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)
