Free Route Airspace across FABEC: Free Route is now fully deployed in the French airspace

France has now fully implemented Free Route Airspace (FRA) above 30,500 feet (9,500 meters). This means airlines can now fly more directly across a seamless 2 million km² area within FABEC (FAB Europe Central), crossing borders without needing to follow fixed air routes.

Since 2024, 70% of the French airspace above FL 195 has been operating under Free Route. Since March 19, 2026, an additional Free Route cell has been implemented, expanding France’s Free Route Airspace (FRA) coverage above FL 305 to 100%. This significant milestone is the result of a new design in this part of upper airspace, a close collaboration with the military to enhance the Advanced Flexible Use of Airspace (A-FUA) and updated technical configurations in the Air Traffic Management systems.

Free Route Airspace allows aircraft to fly shorter, more efficient, and more predictable routes. This reduces fuel burn and gaz emissions, supports safer operations by improving alignment with flight plans. This new way of flying in the upper airspace makes it easier to use SESAR solutions like Business Trajectories and User Preferred Routing.

This implementation contributes to the European CP 1 regulation and will bring benefits for the entire European air traffic network. FRA is closely monitored by the SESAR Deployment Manager, who is responsible for synchronising and coordinating its implementation.