In travel news for June 7th, 2023 we talk about a massive NATO exercise will affect European Air Travel this summer.
This month, travelers may need to brace themselves for potential disruptions in their travel plans due to a large-scale military demonstration taking place over European airspace. A major NATO exercise, touted as the largest ever air force deployment exercise, is slated to occur from June 12 to June 22, and could result in delayed flights for several days.
The multinational military exercise, named 'Air Defender 2023', will be centered over German airspace, involving 10,000 military personnel and 250 combat aircraft from 25 nations, including the US. As per Eurocontrol, the European air traffic management body, around 800 flights will need to be rerouted daily due to the exercise and its associated measures.
These large-scale maneuvers could lead to significant delays during a time when European air traffic controllers are grappling with the resurgence of flights in the post-pandemic boom. The situation may be further complicated by the ongoing strikes among French authorities.
According to the German Air Force, who is managing the exercise, it acknowledges the possible restrictions on civilian air traffic but emphasizes the necessity of the exercise for maintaining peace and freedom in the country.
'Air Defender 2023' will necessitate large blocks of airspace to be closed to civilian aircraft, primarily over Germany, but also extending into Danish, Dutch, and French airspace. This extensive activity may have a particularly noticeable impact on many flights in Europe.
Approximately 800 flights are expected to be rerouted, with around 300 of these having their routes extended. This minor extension, amounting to around seven minutes of additional flight time, could create significant scheduling challenges due to the intricate web of flights across Europe.
The busiest airports, including London's Heathrow and Gatwick, may face the largest scheduling complications. Restrictions such as crew hours and night curfews mean that not all delays can be easily mitigated. Additionally, budget airlines with brief turnaround times may see delays accumulating rapidly.
'Air Defender 2023' has been clarified as a defensive exercise aimed at demonstrating NATO's capability to defend itself, rather than an act of aggression. Nonetheless, as the exercise coincides with the peak of summer travel, it serves as a reminder for travelers to stay updated about potential disruptions and to prepare for possible changes in their travel schedules.