Cross-border free route airspace unlocks significant route optimisation in the heart of Europe

The implementation of cross-border free route airspace by EUROCONTROL’s MUAC and the German KUAC delivers greater efficiency in European airspace unlocking thousands of additional direct routes in the core area of Europe.

Since 30 November 2023, aircraft operators have been enjoying the benefits of H24 cross-border free route airspace operations in the upper airspace of Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Germany. The implementation of cross-border free route airspace by EUROCONTROL’s Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC) and by DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung’s Karlsruhe Upper Area Control Centre (KUAC) – two of Europe’s major air navigation service providers – has unlocked thousands of new route options, irrespective of existing airspace boundaries. This will bring about significant optimised routings, fuel savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The new direct route options will further increase flight efficiency for most flights overflying Germany and the Benelux countries. Airspace users will be able to explore additional flight planning options, including long cross-border direct routes connecting the United Kingdom with Poland, for example, in one stretch without having to plan along intermediate points within MUAC/KUAC airspace. It will also be possible to use cross-border direct routes of different lengths to optimise flight trajectories according to wind patterns and to circumnavigate closed or congested airspace.

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