Flight permits: which countries are the most complex?

Emeline Ferro
13 minutes ago
4 min read

In international aviation, obtaining overflight and landing authorisations is a sensitive operational process, directly linked to flight punctuality, regulatory compliance and cost control.

A delayed, incomplete or refused flight permit can lead to rerouting, loss of airport slots or, in some cases, cancellation of a mission.

Between specific documentation requirements, variable deadlines, sometimes manual procedures and diplomatic constraints, certain countries are known for the complexity of their authorisations. For airlines, private jet operators, cargo flights, military or diplomatic missions, anticipation and local expertise are essential. This is where a partner like MyOPS makes all the difference.

⚠️ Important:The timeframes and levels of difficulty presented below correspond to the general order of magnitude observed in international operations. They may vary depending on the type of flight (private, charter, commercial), the nationality of the operator, the aircraft registration, the season, the geopolitical context or the workload of the local authorities.

Countries frequently considered to be the most demanding in terms of flight authorisations

The overview of the countries mentioned in this article is based on common industry practices, feedback from operators and brokers in the field, and the requirements published by certain civil aviation authorities. It is not an official ranking, but an operational guide intended to aid planning.

🔴 Very high complexity 🔴

Moscow Airport

These countries generally have long delays, non-standardised procedures and a high degree of dependence on local authorities.

Russia

Russia is often cited as one of the most restrictive and demanding countries for obtaining flight permits. Applications go through specific administrative channels, with dedicated forms and particular rigour regarding routes and FIR entry/exit points. Lead times can vary significantly depending on the type of operation and the period. Significant advance planning and close coordination with local authorities are generally required.

Frequently observed timeframes:

Overflight: 1 to 3 days minimum
Landing or commercial operations: up to 10 to 14 days

Documents commonly requested:

Specific application form
Detailed flight plan
Certificate of registration
Certificate of airworthiness
Insurance
Crew licences
Passenger and/or cargo manifests

Certain countries in Central Africa and the Horn of Africa

Niger, Djibouti, Eritrea, Cameroon, Congo... In these regions, the complexity stems mainly from the lack of automation and harmonisation of procedures. Applications are often processed manually and processing times depend heavily on the availability of local authorities.

Typical processing times:

Often more than 3 working days
Sometimes difficult to predict accurately

Documents typically required:

Aircraft certificates
Insurance
Crew licences
Manifests
Cargo declarations
In some cases: local insurance or specific bond

🟠 High complexity 🟠

Middle East Airport

China

China applies structured but particularly detailed procedures. Each element of the file (type of operation, route, schedules, aircraft characteristics) is carefully examined, and some operations may require a local sponsor. Careful preparation of documents and early submission are essential to limit last-minute adjustments.

Common processing times:

Overflight or landing: 3 to 7 days

Frequently requested documents:

Registration certificate
Airworthiness certificate
International insurance
Crew licences and medical certificates
Complete flight plan
Description of the operation
Possibly a letter of sponsorship

India

Flight permit applications in India are most often handled by local agents and involve strict procedures with several levels of validation. Processing times differ depending on whether it is a simple overflight or a landing, and can change quickly. The clarity of the initial application plays a key role in the smoothness of the process.

Common processing times:

Overflight: approximately 3 days
Business aviation landing: ~7 days
Charter landing: up to 10 days

Usual documents:

Complete aircraft data (MTOW, performance)
Insurance
Detailed flight plan
Contact details of the local handler
Operator supporting documents

Middle East

Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, etc. In several countries in the region, requests require civil and sometimes military coordination. Documentary requirements are high, particularly for manifests and insurance.

Typical processing times:

Approximately 72 hours minimum

Common documents:

Full flight details
Crew data
Passenger and cargo manifests
Insurance
Depending on the case: air defence authorisations
Specific documentation for dangerous goods

🟡 Moderate complexity 🟡

Airport Taiwan

Taiwan

ICAO-compliant procedures, but strict deadlines and requirements for completeness of files.

Typical processing times:

Approximately 48 working hours

Kazakhstan

Relatively simpler compared to the previous countries.

Frequently observed deadlines:

Overflight: ~24 hours
Landing: 48 to 72 hours

Checklist: frequently requested documents

Although each country has its own specific requirements, most authorities require at least the following:

Registration certificate
Airworthiness certificate
International insurance certificate
Pilot licences and medical certificates
Precise flight plan (routes, FIR, entry/exit points)
Passenger and cargo manifests
Description of the operation
Contact details of the local handler or agent

Depending on the destination, the following may also be required:

Letter of sponsorship
Military authorisation
Dangerous goods declaration
Additional local insurance

My OPS, your operational partner for controlled flight authorisations

Faced with this diversity of rules and deadlines, My OPS acts as a true operational conductor.

Thanks to its international network of partners and its expertise in the field, My OPS supports business aviation, commercial flights, cargo, as well as diplomatic and military missions, by centralising all procedures related to authorisations, flight support and executive travel.

In concrete terms, My OPS makes it possible to: