Safe navigation: the importance of up-to-date airspace information
The be-all and end-all for a safe flight is a Thorough flight preparation. Unnoticed entries into restricted or controlled airspaces are among the most frequent rule violations in general aviation and can be detected using up-to-date maps and NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) easy to avoid.
Many pilots still rely on classic Paper cards but these quickly become obsolete. Digital maps offer a constantly updated alternative that is not only legal, but also provides a better overview. Even for seemingly familiar domestic routes, it is worth checking charts and NOTAMs before every flight.
Important changes to the airspace structure in 2025
1. new airfield traffic zone (ATZ) Essen/Mülheim (EDLE)
Around the airport Essen/Mülheim (EDLE) a ATZ (Aerodrome Traffic Zone) has been set up. This serves to improve the organisation of traffic and increase safety in the airport area. The exact details can be found in the AIP VFR (ENR 1-20) to find.
2. adaptation of the TMZ Friedrichshafen (EDNY)
The Transponder Mandatory Zone (TMZ) around Friedrichshafen Airport will be completed in 2025. Changes to sectors C and D. This adjustment is in line with the modification of airspace C Zurich in German territory.
3. changes in airspace C Zurich (German territory)
- Lateral and vertical adjustments of the "Zurich TMA" below the flight level FL 100.
- Control zone adjustments over German territory for better integration with Swiss airspace.
- Lowering of the airspace E on 1700 ft AGL (Above Ground Level) or 1000 ft AGL in certain regions to optimise the separation between IFR and VFR traffic.
4. lowering of airspace E in several areas
The following regions are affected by the lowering of airspace E:
- Zurich: on 1700 ft AGL / 1000 ft AGL
- Bredstedt: on 1700 ft AGL
- Neumünster: on 1700 ft AGL
- West of Stuttgartlateral change to 1000 ft AGL
- East of Magdeburglateral change to 1000 ft AGL
- South of Paderbornlateral change to 1000 ft AGL
These reductions are intended in particular to Optimise controlled airspace for IFR traffic and VFR pilots a Clearer separation between different airspace classes enable.
New and amended areas with flight restrictions (ED-R)
Restrictive airspaces (ED-RRestricted Areas) are particularly critical for VFR pilots, as violations can lead to legal consequences. There are also some important changes in 2025:
- New installation of ED-R 16 (Calw): A new restricted area for special military activities.
- Re-structuring of ED-R 17 (Jägerbrück)Adjustments to improve safety.
- Change to the upper limit of ED-R 31 (Bergen)New altitude restrictions for overflights.
- Extension of ED-R 32 (Munster) by an additional sector C.
- Lateral changes to ED-R 43, Sector B (Eckernförde Bay).
- Restructuring of ED-R 73 (Altengrabow).
- New sector categorisation of ED-R 137 (Hohenfels) with an inner sector A.
- Vertical extension of ED-R 141 (Altenstadt) with an additional sector B.
- Cancellation of ED-R 312 (TRA Kleve)This airspace will be opened for civil air traffic.
New ICAO chart with improved airspace visualisations
In addition to the direct airspace changes, the DFS publishes a new ICAO chartwhich allows the visualisation of airspaces other countries in Germany improved. These changes are described in the AIP SUP VFR 15/25 and make it easier for pilots to orientate themselves during cross-border flights.
Summary: Important changes for the 2025 flying season
The annual airspace adjustments made by DFS are of great importance for the safety and efficiency of air traffic. Particularly noteworthy are 2025:
✅ The new ATZ around Essen/Mülheim (EDLE)
✅ Adjustments to the TMZ Friedrichshafen and airspace C Zurich
✅ Airspace E drops in several areas
✅ New and revised restricted areas (ED-R)
✅ Updated ICAO map for more precise airspace representations
All pilots should familiarise themselves with the new features at an early stage in order to Avoid violations of airspace and travelling safely. A Regular check of current maps and NOTAMs remains essential - whether on paper or digitally.
Full details of all the changes can be found in the official AIP VFR documents of DFS available.
Source references:
Aviation magazine
