Genève Aéroport: a central role in the field of air navigation obstacles
Role and mission
Genève Aéroport acts as the cantonal point of contact for evaluating building permits that could impact air navigation.
It also serves as the point of contact for the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) for the assessment, monitoring, and analysis of temporary obstacles, such as cranes or masts.
In this capacity, Genève Aéroport actively contributes to maintaining aviation safety by ensuring that any project or installation complies with protection surfaces and does not compromise the safety of air operations.
Obstacle limitation surfaces (OLS)
The Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) define the volumes of airspace that must remain free of obstacles around the airport to ensure the safety of air operations.
These surfaces, approved by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) in accordance with international ICAO standards (Annex 14, Volume I), set the maximum permissible heights for buildings, installations, or vegetation near the airport.
At Genève Aéroport, these surfaces serve as a reference for assessing any construction or installation project and ensure compatibility between territorial development and aeronautical safety.
Obligation to report temporary obstacles
Any temporary installation likely to constitute an obstacle to air navigation—such as construction cranes, masts, temporary antennas, or lifting equipment—must be reported to the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).
Notification is made via FOCA’s online platform.
FOCA evaluates each request in collaboration with Genève Aéroport, as the cantonal point of contact, and with Skyguide when impacts on air navigation are possible. No temporary installation may be erected without prior authorization.
Operating conditions (maximum height, day/night marking, periods of activity) may be defined to preserve aeronautical safety and ensure the continuity of operations at Genève Aéroport.
Genève Aéroport jurisdiction
Genève Aéroport
Planification et développement des opérations - OCD
CP 100 - 1215 Geneva 15
+41 76 487 38 10
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