Durchflug

Durchflug is a term used in aviation to describe a flight that passes through the airspace of one or more states without landing or refueling. In practice, it denotes transit traffic that connects an origin with a distant destination, using established airway routes and air traffic services along the way. A Durchflug differs from a flight that stops for passenger disembarkation or refueling, and from a detour which is chosen to avoid weather or restricted airspace.

The ability to conduct a Durchflug depends on overflight rights granted by the states whose airspace is used. Overflight rights are typically part of bilateral or multilateral air service agreements and may be subject to fees, also known as overflight charges. States retain sovereignty over their airspace and can impose restrictions for security, environmental, or traffic management reasons. Operators must obtain necessary clearances through air traffic control and may be required to use specific routes or ATS routes.

In flight planning, a Durchflug is often desirable to minimize distance and fuel, especially for long-haul or intercontinental routes. Conversely, limited or denied overflight rights can force longer detours. The term is used in aviation discourse alongside synonyms such as Überflug; the legal and operational framework is governed by international aviation law and national aviation authorities.

See also: airspace sovereignty, overflight rights, ICAO, air traffic control.