Hawaii expands controlled airspace over its airports, shrinks it over the ocean

The Federal Aviation Administration is changing how controlled airspace works around Hawaiian airports. It is adding a new layer of controlled airspace above 1,200 feet near Lihue, Honolulu, and Kona airports, while removing controlled airspace that extended more than 12 miles offshore into international waters.

Pilots flying under instrument flight rules will now have more controlled airspace when approaching Hawaiian airports. This means less chance of unexpected encounters with other aircraft in busy areas. At the same time, the change clarifies where US air traffic control ends and international rules begin, which simplifies things for long-distance flights.