Background to the new regulation
DFS is responsible for the provision of air navigation services in German airspace. These include, among others:
- District control services (en-route control)
- Approach control services
- Aerodrome control services
- Flight alarm services
The new regulations were published on the basis of the Air Navigation Services Implementing Regulation and replace previous announcements. With a view to increasing digitalisation, cost efficiency and flexible traffic requirements, certain processes have been revised without compromising flight operational safety.
Control centres remain manned at all times
One positive aspect for nationwide IFR and controlled VFR traffic is that the four German control centres will continue to be manned at all times. This means that approach and area control services will continue to be provided without interruption. Specifically, this applies to the centres:
- Bremen
- Langen
- Munich
- Karlsruhe
Bremen, Langen and Munich are responsible for both approach and area control. Karlsruhe is exclusively responsible for area control. The frequencies and sectoral details remain as published in the Aeronautical Information Publication.
This guarantees that night transfer and cargo flights, ambulance flights and IFR training can continue to use the usual infrastructure.
Aerodrome control services at German airports
In addition to the control centres, the aerodrome control services have also been republished. DFS distinguishes between airports with H24 operations and those with restricted or notifiable time slots.
H24 flight operations at 13 German airports
Round-the-clock (H24) screening services continue to be offered at the main international airports. These include, among others:
- Berlin-Brandenburg
- Düsseldorf
- Munich
- Hamburg
- Frankfurt
- Cologne/Bonn
- Stuttgart
Central logistics and freight locations such as Leipzig/Halle or Münster/Osnabrück also remain under continuous control. For airlines and charter companies, this means planning security without additional coordination processes.
Special regulations for Saarbrücken and Dresden
Different operating models apply for Saarbrücken (EDDR) and Dresden (EDDC):
Saarbrücken
Saarbrücken has defined daily time slots for aerodrome control. Operations begin in the early morning and end in the late evening. The local flight restrictions from AD 2.20 remain valid.
Dresden
Dresden has a two-tier system:
- Regular control operation during the day
- On-request procedure at night
During the on-request period, flights must be requested by 22:00 UTC (21:00 UTC in summer) at the latest. Controlled flight operations cannot take place without timely registration. Emergency or alternate landings will be diverted to neighbouring airports such as Leipzig.
The Dresden model is particularly interesting for ambulance flights, maintenance transfers or technical night flights, as it enables controlled traffic even outside peak hours - albeit with advance notice.
Significance for general aviation
There are several practical effects for non-commercial aviation:
- Route and time planning is becoming more relevant, especially for training organisations and IFR training courses, as not every airfield is controlled around the clock.
- On-request procedure require proactive action and timely coordination.
- PPR/NOTAM observation is gaining in importance, as operators can also publish their own regulations.
- Evasion strategies must be checked in advance in order to safely cover evasive situations at night.
As air traffic alert services are always active in parallel with air traffic control services, the reporting chain for search and rescue is guaranteed at all times.
Conclusion
With the new operating hours, DFS will ensure a stable IFR surveillance system that is available around the clock, combined with flexible aerodrome control services at selected locations. Little will change for the majority of commercial traffic, but planning, advance notification and NOTAM monitoring will become more important for parts of general aviation in future. Those who check, phone and coordinate in good time will still be able to fly in German airspace without any problems in 2026.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)
