Distribution: EUR User States and international organisations
Reference : EUR/NAT 14-0243.TEC (FOL/CUP)02/04/2014 02 April 2014
Subject : Safety of civil aircraft operating in the Simferopol Flight Information Region (FIR)
Action required : As required in paragraphs 3 and 5
Madam, Sir,
1. I have the honour to address you as the appropriate State Authority of aircraft operator(s) which may use the airspace of the Simferopol flight information region (FIR).
2. Taking into consideration the recent publication by the Russian Federation of a series of notices to airmen (NOTAMs) modifying the Simferopol FIR which is under the responsibility of Ukraine, and their intent to provide air traffic services (ATS) within this airspace, I draw your attention to the possible existence of serious risks to the safety of international civil flights.
3. Due to the unsafe situation where more than one ATS provider may be controlling flights within the same airspace from 3 April 2014, 0600 UTC onwards, consideration should be given to measures to avoid the airspace and circumnavigate the Simferopol FIR with alternative routings.
4. Alternative routings are available for those operators choosing to avoid the Simferopol FIR.
5. I would also like to invite the States concerned to assist in the accommodation of the re-routed traffic to the maximum extent possible, in particular when the alternative routes would impact the overall capacity of the regional network. In cases where the re-routed flights would have been subject to special overflight permissions, I would ask for your flexibility to manage these scenarios with special assistance so that the concerned flights could operate without interruption.
6. ICAO continues to actively coordinate with all involved authorities, international organizations, airspace users and other States in the region regarding developments as they unfold, specifically those which could impact flight safety.
7. I will notify you of any significant developments.
Accept, Sir/Madam, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Luis Fonseca de Almeida
ICAO Regional Director