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NFL - HX airspace from 24 July 2025: Flexibilisation of the airspace structure around seven commercial airports

Last updated on 20 July 2025
A new regulation of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH for so-called HX airspaces will come into force on 24 July 2025. These are class C and D airspaces (not CTRs) and TMZs (Transponder Mandatory Zones) that can be activated or deactivated on a flexible basis depending on the use of certain runways. The change affects seven larger airspaces in Germany and replaces the previous message for air traffic controllers (NfL 2024-1-3031). DFS is thus pursuing the goal of improving the efficient utilisation of lower controlled airspace and at the same time creating more free space for general aviation (VFR) - without compromising flight safety.

What is an HX airspace?

HX stands for "temporarily active". This means that the respective airspace is not permanently controlled or requiring a transponderdepending on the traffic situation or the active track direction deactivated be deactivated. During the deactivation phase, it may, under certain conditions without control release can be flown.


The affected airspaces at a glance:

  1. Leipzig - Airspace D (not CTR) and TMZ
  2. Berlin - Airspace C
  3. Dresden - Airspace D (not CTR) and TMZ
  4. Hanover - TMZ
  5. Erfurt - TMZ
  6. Hamburg - Airspace C
  7. Friedrichshafen - TMZ

1. Leipzig: Airspace D (not CTR) and TMZ (HX)

HX areas:

  • Leipzig Westdeactivated when using runway 26
  • Leipzig Eastdeactivated when using piste 08
  • In exceptional cases also Both sectors active

Rules & frequencies:

  • ATIS: 134.460 MHz
  • FIS (Langen Information): 119.825 / 125.800 MHz
  • Release on activation: 126.175 MHz (Munich Radar)
  • Without info: Airspace is considered active

2. Berlin: Airspace C (HX)

HX areas:

  • Berlin Westdeactivated at runway 25
  • Berlin Eastdeactivated at runway 07
  • Both sectors can be active or inactive together

Frequencies:

  • ATIS: 133.630 MHz
  • Long information: 132.650 MHz
  • Control release: 120.630 MHz (Bremen Radar)

3 Dresden: Airspace D (not CTR) and TMZ (HX)

HX areas:

  • Dresden Southdeactivated at runway 22
  • Dresden Northdeactivated at piste 04
  • From 1 November to 31 March both sectors are always active

Frequencies:

  • ATIS: 118.880 MHz
  • Long information: 125,800 MHz
  • Munich Radar: 125.875 MHz

4th Hanover: TMZ (HX)

HX areas:

  • Hanover Westdeactivated at runway 27
  • Hanover Eastdeactivated at piste 09
  • Both sectors can be activated together if required

Rules:

  • Long information: 119.825 MHz
  • When activated:
    • Without transponderLeave
    • With transponder: Activate code + 119.490 MHz (Bremen Radar) remain in listening mode

5th Erfurt: TMZ (HX)

Activation only for IFR traffic

Frequencies:

  • ATIS: 133.455 MHz
  • TWR: 121.155 MHz
  • FIS: 119.825 / 125.800 MHz
  • Munich Radar: 126.175 MHz

6 Hamburg: Airspace C (HX)

HX areas:

  • Hamburg-West
  • Hamburg-East

Special features:

  • For Hamburg-West:
    • Deactivation by air traffic control Uetersen (122.705 MHz)
    • When deactivated: Ready to listen on the same frequency
    • Activation → Exit within 10 minutes or release via 120.540 MHz (Bremen Radar)
  • For Hamburg-East:
    • Deactivation by Langen Information (125.100 MHz)
    • Activation by broadcast call or direct address
    • When activated → Exit within 10 minutes or release via 120.540 MHz

7th Friedrichshafen: TMZ (HX)

HX range:

  • Friedrichshafen East
    • Deactive at piste 06
    • Active on piste 24

Frequencies:

  • ATIS: 129.605 MHz
  • Activation times: hh:20 or hh:50
  • For transponder operation: Listening mode on 119.925 MHz (ALPS RADAR)

General rules of behaviour for HX airspaces

Activations are announced at least 10 minutes in advance

Before each entry: Check the status of the airspace

No information available? → HX is considered active

In deactivated HX areas: Maintain a willingness to listen

When activated:

Without transponder → leave immediately

Switch with transponder → code + ready to listen on the relevant radar frequency


Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)

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