2. Airspace
Chapter 2. Airspace
The Bahrain Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA) has a vertical extension up to FL170 and is split across three different classes at various levels. The Approach Controller is responsible for understanding the differences between these Classes of Airspace.
The airspace in the Bahrain Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA) does not allow for a lot of manoeuvrability due to its geographical location and multiple surrounding national borders so aircraft need to be carefully managed in order to ensure safe separation between arrivals and departures.
| Airspace Type | Airspace | Class | Vertical Limits | Controller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal Maneuvering Area | Bahrain TMA | D | 1000FT - 4500FT | OBBI_APP |
| Terminal Maneuvering Area | Bahrain TMA | C | 4500FT - FL150 | OBBI_APP |
| Terminal Maneuvering Area | Bahrain TMA | A | FL150 - FL170 | OBBI_APP |
Table 2.0.1. - Bahrain Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA)
2.1 Transition Altitude and Level
The transition altitude and level in Bahrain is consistent with the Gulf Region.
| Transition Altitude | Transition Level |
|---|---|
| 13000FT | FL150 |
The transition layer exists between these two altitudes and shall not be used for level flight.
2.2 Aerodromes within the Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA)
The Approach Controller is responsible for Bahrain International Airport (OBBI), Isa Airbase (OBBS) and Sakhir Air base (OBKH).
Both Isa Air Base and Sakhir Air Base are military airfields to which we do not provide ATC services for on the ground.
2.3 Surrounding Airspace
The Bahrain Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA) is surrounded by both Saudi Arabia to the West and Qatar to the South. As the Approach Controller in Bahrain you have to work closely with the adjacent controlling units to ensure safe and efficient operations within the TMA.
Table 2.3.1. - Surrounding Airspace
2.4 Restricted Airspace
The Bahrain Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA) has 3 Restricted sections of Airspace which must not be entered at any time unless given approval by the Approach Controller for operations in/out of Isa Airbase (OBBS) or Sakhir Air Base (OBKH).
| Restricted Airspace Identifier | Vertical Limits | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| R57 | GND - UNLTD | Permanent |
| P42 | GND - UNLTD | Permanent |
| R66 | GND - UNLTD | Permanent |
2.5 Area of Responsibility
The Approach Controller is responsible for the airspace surrounding Bahrain Airport within a 40 NM radius centred on the BHR VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR).
Bahrain Approach shall provide surveillance based radar control services to aircraft to which are:
- Released from the ACC Controller descending into the vertical and lateral limits of the Bahrain Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA).
- Aircraft transiting the Bahrain Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA) until clear of vertical and/or lateral limits of the TMA.
- Departing Aircraft from one of the aerodromes covered within the TMA until outside the vertical or lateral limits of the TMA and transferred to the next relevant controller.
- Aircraft coming from uncontrolled airspace into the vertical and lateral limits of the Bahrain Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA).