What do you need to Know about Asian Overflight Permit Requirements

Overflight permits are authorizations from Civil Aviation Authorities to overfly that country’s airspace.

The permits may differ in terms of airspace coverage area and other rules & regulations of the specific country.

While dealing with overflight permits, it’s become important that you know all the requirements & restrictions.

You need to consider documentation requirements, special request formats, operating hours and many more.  

You’ve to deal with various other complexities in the permit process. It’s based on factors like type of flight, country of origin, routing etc.

The following is an overview of Overflight Permit Requirements:

1.     Routing dependencies and Permit requirements:

Countries that require overflight and landing permits include Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Singapore, South Korea etc.

Keep in mind that one permit can impact other permits as well. So, you may need to use routings that all other Civil Aviation Authorities accept.

If there is a denial of one permit, then you have to make revisions to your routing. It’s done to make sure that it doesn’t impact other permits.

Most Asian countries won’t agree to direct routings.  So, in that case, you’ve to use approved airways.

2.     Permit lead times:

In this region lead times for flight permits may vary from two to ten business days.

For example, Indonesia needs ten business days to process permit requests. On the other hand, in the case of charter permits, Singapore has extended lead times.

Military airports in India need fifteen or more business days lead time for overflight permits.

Permit lead time is ten business days if you’re operating to a military airport in Japan for tourism purposes.

3.     Permit processing:

Overflight and landing permits are processed by the concerned civil Aviation Authority.

CAAs in this region normally open from Monday to Friday. It’s closed on weekends and on holidays.

Permits are often processed faster than official lead times. It can be seen particularly in cases of air ambulance, emergency, or weather-related (i.e., typhoon) requests.

Always remember that minimum lead times are required even for short notice, emergency permit requests & revisions.

4.     Information/documentation requirements:

Permit documentation requirements may vary from country to country. Henceforth, it’s always important that you confirm requirements in advance.

Documentation generally involves insurance certificate, airworthiness, registration certificates, and noise certificate.

5.     Unique documentation requirements:

You need to check with your ground handler regarding any unique documentation requirements at your planned destinations.

For example, at Philippines, you need to submit a color photograph of your aircraft. Only after that a landing permits will be processed.

For a Japan charter permit, you’ve to provide the civil Aviation Authority with a signed copy of the charter agreement.

Operators need to provide a letter from a local business sponsor to process a landing permits in China. Fewer airports are open to international general aviation travel.

6.     Charter vs. private non-revenue permits:

In general, CAA’s in Asia are stricter on charter permit requirements. It usually requires additional documentation.

In many cases, you will need to supply other documentation like charter agreements, specific liability insurance coverage etc.

Also, it’s important to confirm all documentation requirements in advance with your trip support provider.

For both private non-revenue & charter operations, you may need to provide the Civil Aviation Authority with a local business contact that is responsible for your flight.

It’s important that this business contact has current information on your flight, purpose of flight, crew and passenger details, and schedule.

This business contact should also be kept aside of any changes.

If the Civil Aviation Authority finds that information provided by the operator & business contacts do not match, then they may cancel your permit.

Many countries impose overflight permit requirements. It applies to both charter & private non-revenue flight activity.

Over recent years more countries have been adding such requirements. For example, Brazil and Suriname didn’t have overflight permits requirements in the past, but they both now do.

Note:

When travelling back to the United States on a private jet charter flight, be sure to check if your operator has an overflight permit. 

Using an operator with an landing permit can save you both time and money. It prevents you from making an unnecessary stop at the border for customs.