Avoid being denied entry into international airspace or detained on the ground

AIRSPACE AND OVERFLIGHT FEES

Most countries –including the U.S.- charge for the use of their airspace and ATC services. The regulations and methods for determining how much is owed, and how to pay it, vary from country to country.

Important facts to be aware of:

  • Some countries waive the airspace fees if your flight originated, or ended, at an airport in their country,

    whereas others charge regardless.

  • Some countries will send an invoice; some do not.

  • The currency and payment procedures vary by country, and some can be difficult to comply with.

  • Unpaid airspace fees can accrue delinquency fees, growing over time.

  • Aircraft with unpaid fees may be denied entry into airspace or detained upon arrival in a foreign country.

  • Regulations and procedures vary and can change at any time.

When purchasing a used aircraft, make sure that you are not also purchasing the unpaid airspace fee liabilities of that aircraft. Most foreign countries assess the debts to the aircraft, not the operator. With our Airspace Fee services, we determine what you owe and get it paid for you.

MEXICAN AIRSPACE

Mexico, like most other countries, charges for the use of its airspace and for ATC over-time when pilots use a Mexican airport outside of its official operating hours.

Four things that set Mexico’s airspace fee processing apart from those of other countries:

  • Mexico’s airspace and ATC overtime regulations are in Mexico’s tax code

  • Airspace fees are calculated based on the wingspan of the aircraft and NOT on MTOW

  • Mexico does not issue an invoice to advise pilots that they have incurred a fee. It is the pilot’s responsibility to “self-determine” the amount owed per the regulations.

  • Airspace and over-time fees can only be paid via a Mexican bank

If during the last 10 years your aircraft made a flight through Mexican airspace that neither took off from, nor landed in, Mexico, you are subject to Mexican airspace fees. Also, any aircraft that landed at a Mexican airport outside of its normal operating hours has incurred an ATC overtime fee which must be paid using the same procedures as airspace fees.