The FAA is concerned about increased tensions associated with the current conflict for control of the capital, Tripoli. Libya National Army (LNA) forces have begun operations aimed at seizing control of Tripoli, including Tripoli International Airport. The Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), with support of militias, has conducted counterattacks, including tactical airstrikes on LNA forces. LNA has declared a military zone and is threatening to shoot down aircraft operating in Western Libya.
Both GNA and advancing LNA forces have access to advanced man portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and likely anti-aircraft artillery. These ground-based weapon systems present a risk to aircraft, but only at altitudes below FL300. LNA forces have tactical aircraft capable of intercepting aircraft at altitudes at and above FL300 within the self-declared military zone in Western Libya, which may present an inadvertent risk to civil aviation operations in Western Libya. While the LNA tactical aircraft threat is likely intended for GNA military aircraft, an inadvertent risk remains for civil aviation at all altitudes due to potential miscalculation or misidentification. This risk necessitates an all-altitude flight prohibition for the geographic area specified in this NOTAM.
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The KICZ Prohibition NOTAM A0012/19 was issued by the FAA and includes background information regarding U.S. Civil Aviation for Libya:
KICZ A0012/19 – SECURITY..UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FLIGHT PROHIBITION AGAINST CERTAIN FLIGHTS IN THE TERRITORY AND AIRSPACE OF LIBYA
ALL FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THE TERRITORY AND AIRSPACE OF LIBYA BY THE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A BELOW ARE PROHIBITED AT ALL ALTITUDES FROM WEST OF 17 DEGREES EAST LONGITUDE AND NORTH OF 29 DEGREES NORTH LATITUDE UNTIL FURTHER ADVISED DUE TO THE ONGOING MILITARY CONFLICT IN LIBYA. THIS FLIGHT PROHIBITION IS IN ADDITION TO SPECIAL FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATION (SFAR) NO. 112- PROHIBITION AGAINST CERTAIN FLIGHTS IN THE TRIPOLI FIR (HLLL), WHICH REMAINS IN EFFECT. THIS NOTAM WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL SUCH TIME AS TITLE 14, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, SECTION 91.1603, SFAR NO. 112 IS UPDATED.
- APPLICABILITY. THIS NOTAM APPLIES TO: ALL U.S. AIR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS; ALL PERSONS EXERCISING THE PRIVILEGES OF AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE FAA, EXCEPT SUCH PERSONS OPERATING U.S.‐REGISTERED AIRCRAFT FOR A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER; AND ALL OPERATORS OF AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES, EXCEPT WHERE THE OPERATOR OF SUCH AIRCRAFT IS A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER.
- PERMITTED OPERATIONS. THIS NOTAM DOES NOT PROHIBIT PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A (APPLICABILITY) FROM CONDUCTING FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THE ABOVE NAMED AREA WHEN SUCH OPERATIONS ARE AUTHORIZED EITHER BY ANOTHER AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FAA OR BY A DEVIATION, EXEMPTION, OR OTHER AUTHORIZATION ISSUED BY THE FAA ADMINISTRATOR. OPERATORS MUST CALL THE FAA WASHINGTON OPERATIONS CENTER AT 202-267-3333 TO INITIATE COORDINATION FOR FAA AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT OPERATIONS.
- EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. IN AN EMERGENCY THAT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE DECISION AND ACTION FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT IN COMMAND OF AN AIRCRAFT MAY DEVIATE FROM THIS NOTAM TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THAT EMERGENCY.
THIS NOTAM IS AN EMERGENCY ORDER ISSUED UNDER 49 USC 40113(A) AND 46105(C). SFC – UNL; 06 APR 18:15 2019 UNTIL PERM. CREATED: 06 APR 18:14 2019
