The United Arab Emirates (UAE) closed its airspace for some time amid Iran’s missile and drone attacks. Now it has been reopened. According to the UAE Defense Ministry, the country’s air defense system has so far intercepted more than 300 ballistic missiles and about 1,600 drones. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) says that the airspace has been reopened after taking stock of the security-related situation.
Now the question is how does a country close the airspace, what happens to the planes during this, when is the airspace closed, what action is taken against the aircraft breaking the rules and how is air travel affected.
How does a country close airspace?
Before knowing the answer to this, it is important to understand why a country takes such a step. Airspace is closed in many situations. It can also be closed due to war or tension, security threats, military exercises and volcanoes or storms.
Whichever country decides to close the airspace, it has to first inform NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) through the Civil Aviation Authority. The country also has to be told why this is being done. The routes of the planes are changed after its official announcement. This information is given to air traffic control. However, if the country wishes, it can close the airspace completely or partially, i.e. only up to certain areas or altitudes.
How do pilots around the world know?
Information about closure of airspace is given to pilots and airlines around the world through NOTAM. In the information it is told which area is closed and for how long. To what height is it closed? In this way, after getting this information, they are able to decide which route they want to choose. This is the reason why routes of planes change.
When airspace is closed, all Air Traffic Control (ATC) units give new routes to the planes.
How are planes operated?
All Air Traffic Control (ATC) units give new routes to planes. Flights are diverted. That means they have to pass through another route. It also affects air travel and airlines. If the route of an aircraft is in a part where airspace has been closed, then the route of the aircraft changes. As a result, flights have to go through longer routes. To reach their destination they have to take a long route. Tickets become expensive. Many flights also get cancelled.
What will happen if someone breaks the rules?
After the announcement of closure of airspace, if any aircraft breaks the rules, then Air Traffic Control (ATC) is immediately contacted. The pilot is given orders over the radio to immediately change direction or return. An alert is sent to them.
If the aircraft does not obey orders, the Air Force can send a fighter jet. They fly near jet planes. Give them visual signals. Force him to land. In such cases, the aircraft is asked to land at the nearest airport. Investigation takes place there. The pilot and crew are interrogated. If the aircraft appears suspicious, it can be considered a threat and may be shot down.
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