It will be the largest NATO exercise since the end of the Second World War. In June, German airspace in particular will be temporarily closed for this purpose. What travelers need to consider during the "Air Defender 23".
Frankfurt – In June, many fighter jets will be flying over Germany for several days. NATO is planning the largest deployment since its founding. Hundreds of aircraft will train in German airspace, which will mean that civilian aircraft will not be able to use this space during this time. People who have booked a flight during this time are likely to feel restrictions.
The NATO exercise "Air Defender 23" will take place from June 12 to June 23 and involves the participation of pilots and crews from 18 nations as well as up to 10,000 soldiers with over 220 aircraft. The U.S. alone is deploying more than 100 aircraft to four locations in Germany. The aim of the exercise is to be prepared for a possible crisis. The Air Force has stated that pilots and crews will practice according to the principle of "train as you fight", which means that they will train in the places where they will be deployed in an emergency.
Reason | NATO exercise |
Mission name | Air Defender 23 |
Area | German airspace |
Period | 12 to 23 June 2023 |
NATO exercise over Germany: Air traffic blocked for more than two hours
The NATO exercise will impose some restrictions on civilian air traffic, but the Air Force is trying to keep them as low as possible. However, there will be no civilian air traffic for about two hours a day in the northern, southern and eastern air training areas used for military purposes. To ensure that the airspace is truly free, these areas will also be closed shortly before and after the two hours. Civil airlines will have to fly around these areas to avoid restrictions.
During the NATO exercise "Air Defender 23", hundreds of military aircraft will be flying in German airspace. © Francis Hildemann/dpa
The Air Force emphasizes that flight operations to the major civilian airports in Germany will not be immediately closed during the exercise, but that there may be shifts in flight times. The planning of flight times and routes during the NATO exercise over Germany has not yet been completed.
Right to alternative transport: NATO and tour operators have these obligations
According to travel lawyer Paul Degott, a tour operator has an obligation to inform travelers without being asked about all the circumstances necessary for the proper execution of the trip. He told the portal Reisereporter.de. This also includes possible impairments caused by the NATO air exercise. If the organizer neglects this obligation to provide information, claims for reduction can be asserted.
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If a flight is cancelled due to the NATO exercise, passengers have the right to alternative transportation. If the airline does not offer an alternative connection, passengers can choose a connection themselves, including a train journey. The costs can then be claimed from the airline. If a replacement flight is not available until the next day, the airline must organize accommodation in a mid-range hotel and transport there, according to travel lawyer Degott. In the event of a flight delay of more than two hours, you are entitled to a free meal and a drink. Similar regulations also apply to trains that are affected by a delay. (Kiba/dpa)
This article was created using machine assistance. For this purpose, a language model was used that relies on information from various sources. Prior to publication, this text was edited by editor Moritz Bletzinger. Feel free to leave us feedback in our comments section.