Planned airspace security restrictions covering the London Olympic and Paralympic Games for 2012 were announced today by the UK Government, as part of its commitment to deliver a safe and secure Games. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), air traffic control provider, NATS, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), will now work with the aviation community through the Airspace & Safety Initiative* (ASI) to ensure the restrictions are effectively implemented.

Details of the restrictions, which will run from 13 July to 12 September 2012, are now available on the ASI websitewww.airspacesafety.com/olympics. Charts illustrating the precise extent of the restrictions are featured on the site, along with details of how pilots can still gain access to some of the restricted airspace.

As well as the main restrictions covering the south-east of England other venues throughout the UK will be subject to temporary restrictions notified by NOTAM.

Phil Robert, CAA Assistant Director of Airspace Policy, said:

“Through the Airspace & Safety Initiative, the CAA, NATS and MoD will work with the general aviation community to run a comprehensive communication and education programme about the restrictions. This will include airfield visits and briefings to explain the restrictions to aerodrome operators, flying schools and clubs based in or near the main restricted areas.

“To assist with the dissemination of information, the ASI project is seeking ‘Olympic airspace ambassadors’ to distribute literature and assist with the briefing programme. Flying instructors, LAA strut organisers, air traffic controllers and anyone else who could act as a local communicator is asked to register on the www.airspacesafety.com/olympics website.”

NATS has also proposed separate airspace changes to enable it to provide the extra capacity required during the Olympic period. These are being processed through the CAA’s National Air Traffic Management Advisory Committee and can be viewed at www.caa.co.uk/natmac.