Legal basis and system
The new definition is based on Section 17 (1) sentence 2 of the Air Traffic Regulations and has been published as an official announcement. It replaces previous regulations and redefines the structure of ED-R areas nationwide.
As a general rule, areas with flight restrictions may not be flown through unless explicit authorisation has been given. This can be given by
- a general authorisation from the Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services
- an individual clearance by the responsible air traffic control centre
- Special authorisations for military users
- Coordinated rescue or disaster operations
Of particular practical relevance is the fact that IFR and VFR flights can also be authorised during active periods under certain conditions - provided that no hazardous activities are taking place in the airspace concerned. The prerequisite for this is a permanent readiness to listen on the assigned frequency.
ICAO airspace classification remains unchanged in principle
The announcement clarifies that the published ICAO airspace classification applies in principle within the ED-R areas. However, users of these areas - in particular military organisations - are subject to special conditions that do not follow the general ICAO rules.
For uninvolved controlled traffic, air traffic control ensures that no unintentional entry occurs. However, separation from the area user's traffic is not mandatory.
Outside the activation times, only the regular published airspace rules apply.
Comprehensive nationwide structure
The new announcement covers a wide range of ED-R areas - from classic protection areas around critical infrastructure to large-scale military training areas.
Typical characteristics:
- Circular protection areas with a radius of between 0.6 and 2 nautical miles
- Vertical boundaries often between 1,000 and 3,500 feet above sea level
- In military training areas upper limits up to flight level 430
- Partial sectoral subdivisions with different activation times
Examples of permanently active protected zones are ED-R 1 (Garching), ED-R 3 (Geesthacht/Krümmel) and ED-R 5 (Biblis), each of which is active 24 hours a day.
Large-scale military training areas such as Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Unterlüss, Meppen or Baumholder have complex sectoral structures, with upper limits sometimes up to 40,000 or 60,000 feet above sea level. Many of these areas are activated on weekdays, with the possibility of expansion by NOTAM.
Flexible activation via NOTAM
Flexible activation is a central element of the new structure. Numerous areas are activated „if necessary“ or their vertical limits are extended. These changes will be published by NOTAM.
In practice, this means
- A pure AIP consideration is not sufficient.
- The NOTAM check becomes even more important.
- Short-term activations are possible - especially during military exercises or test projects.
Particularly in northern and eastern Germany and in the vicinity of larger military training areas, there may be significant temporary airspace restrictions.
Impact on general aviation
For VFR pilots, the new structure does not mean any fundamentally new restrictions, but it does mean increased complexity. The following are particularly relevant:
- Areas with low ceilings between 1,000 and 3,000 feet above sea level
- ED-R areas along the coast with temporary activations
- Large-scale military zones with a high vertical extent
In many cases, IFR flights are exempt from certain protected areas - for example in the case of installations with a small vertical dimension. This emphasises the strategic importance of IFR clearances, even in mixed operations.
For cross-country flights, it is advisable to select routes in advance in order to avoid frequently activated areas - such as in Lower Saxony, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania or Bavaria - as far as possible or to plan alternative routes.
Focus on military training areas
A significant proportion of the ED-R areas are used for military exercises:
- Artillery and air-to-air shooting
- Skydiving project
- Test and trial flights
- UAS activities
- Night flight exercises
These areas are characterised by high ceilings and, in some cases, activations lasting several days. The structures around Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Unterlüss, Munster and Baumholder, which can affect large parts of the airspace, are particularly striking.
Strategic background
The redefinition comes at a time of increasing military activity in Europe. At the same time, the demand for airspace for drone testing, research projects and security-related infrastructure is growing.
The structuring into clearly defined sectors with flexible activation enables military and security-related use on the one hand, while civilian traffic remains largely unaffected outside the activation times on the other.
Conclusion
With the announcement of 5 February 2026, the ED-R structure was reorganised and specified nationwide. For general aviation, this does not mean a fundamental restriction of freedom of movement, but it does mean greater planning attention.
The consistent NOTAM check, a precise briefing and an understanding of sectoral subdivisions are becoming even more important. At the same time, the structure shows that flexibility and temporary activation are increasingly the guiding principles of modern airspace organisation.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)
