Infringements of controlled airspace
What this relates to:
All infringements of controlled airspace fall within the category of airspace infringements. This includes:
- Delta or Charlie class airspace infringements by any manned aircraft in airspace under the responsibility of Skyguide (in Switzerland and in delegated airspace in Germany, France, Italy and/or Austria)
- Infringements of restricted or prohibited areas according to the same principle
Note: The rate is calculated with VFR movements, as this type of occurrences relates mainly to VFR flights.
Example:
A pilot undertakes a pleasure flight with friends. While flying, he decides to change his flight path. Accidentally and without having previously asked for permission, he ends up in the Meiringen controlled airspace. He notices his mistake and calls the tower. The tower gives him permission to fly through the zone.
Remarks on the 2024 figures:
In 2024, 456 airspace infringements by manned aircraft were reported, 439 of which were reported in Switzerland or in airspace under the responsibility of Skyguide. This figure has remained in the same order of magnitude since 2022, roughly 10% above the pre-COVID average of 2017–2019. The rate of incidents per 10,000 movements has increased, however, due to the decreasing number of VFR flights.
Although infringements can occur in any controlled airspace, most of them are reported in terminal manoeuvring areas (TMAs) (226 in 2024; 150 in Zurich, 26 in Geneva and 15 in Bern) and control zones (CTRs) (146; 32 in Lugano, 24 in Grenchen, 20 in Zurich, 14 in Sion and 8 in Geneva). Most infringements were reported in Zurich airspace.
The complexity of the airspace is a contributing factor. A redesign of Zurich TMA has been performed and is expected to be implemented by March 2025. Although the new airspace will remain complex, the general aviation community was involved in the process in order to achieve the best possible and broadly supported solution.
There are various other contributing factors, such as delayed communication with ATC, distraction when performing other flight-related tasks, a lack of situational awareness and inadequate flight preparation.
Although the vast majority of airspace infringements had no consequences, any unauthorised intrusion into an airspace bears a risk of encounter or collision with other airspace users and must be avoided.
