General aviation news: Temporary no-fly zone for the opening of the Olympic Games in Paris 2024
Introduction
In the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the French aviation authority (SIA) has announced the establishment of a temporary no-fly zone (ZIT). This measure is part of the special aviation security arrangements (DPSA) during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The ZIT will be active on 26 July 2024 and covers a large area around Paris.
Details of the no-fly zone
The temporary no-fly zone will be active from 16:30 to 22:00 (local time) on 26 July 2024. The zone covers a radius of 80 nautical miles around the point 48°51'11''N - 002°21'00''E, which essentially marks the centre of Paris. Certain military and security zones are exempt from this closure.
Affected airports and heliports
The ZIT affects numerous airports and heliports in the region, including:
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (LFPG)
- Paris Orly (LFPO)
- Paris Le Bourget (LFPB)
- Heliport Paris Issy-les-Moulineaux-Valérie-André (LFPI)
- Other regional airports such as Beauvais Tillé (LFOB), Melun Villaroche (LFPM) and many more
Conditions and exceptions
In general, flying into the ZIT is strictly prohibited, with a few exceptions:
- French military aircraft, police aircraft, customs and rescue services are authorised to fly in the zone if their missions require it.
- Aircraft taking aerial photographs on behalf of the 2024 Olympic Games are also authorised.
- Flights by accredited dignitaries authorised by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs are permitted.
Coordination and communication
Pilots and airlines must contact the Civil-Military Operations Coordination Centre (C3MOA) to coordinate flight activities and obtain the necessary authorisations. Communication takes place via the following frequencies:
- RAKI (CDC de Cinq Mars La Pile): 143.550 MHz, 317.500 MHz
- RAMBERT (CDC Lyon Mont Verdun): 143.550 MHz, 317.500 MHz
Flight planning and restrictions
In addition to the ZIT, an FPL Buffer Zone (FBZ) is set up to regulate flight planning in the run-up to and during the activity period:
- From 15:30 to 16:00: Rejection of flight plans that affect destinations within the ZIT.
- From 16:00 to 21:30: Rejection of all flight plans that pass through the ZIT.
- From 21:30 to 22:00: rejection of all flight plans except those departing from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.
These regulations do not apply to aircraft directly involved in activities within the zone.
Further information and contact points
For further information on aviation security in connection with the ZIT, interested parties can contact the Commandement de la Défense aérienne et des Opérations aériennes or the Centre de coordination civil-militaire des opérations aériennes (C3MOA):
- e-mail: c3moa-jo.paris.fct@def.gouv.fr
- Telephone: +33(0)1 41 44 59 98 / +33(0)1 41 44 59 96
Further up-to-date information is also provided in real time by Eurocontrol.
Source references:
SIA
