On 19 March 2026, DFS will publish the new Aeronautical Chart ICAO 1:500.000 Germany. Following the conversion of chart production to a digitised geo-information system, the chart series is once again presented in its familiar, user-friendly and comprehensive form. The information on neighbouring countries is complete and up to date. In the glider edition, the airspaces and all altitudes are again given in metres. In addition, there are several other refinements.
Improved layout and standardised charts
With the new ICAO Charts 2026, the aeronautical chart series is presented in an optimised and harmonised form, integrating extensive customer feedback received over the past year. The rendering of the topography and the colour scheme have been improved. Unpaved runways are highlighted in light colours for better visibility. The look and feel of the 2026 ICAO Chart 1:500.000 corresponds to the design of the V500 charts of other countries and the Aeronautical Area Charts 1:250.000. This creates a standardised and clear chart design that supports use across borders.
Due to the conversion of map creation to a geo-information system, symbols overlap in some places. This changeover became necessary last year due to the requirements of ICAO Annex 4 and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373, which are intended to ensure standardised, data-based, automated and therefore consistent production of charts.
Military low-flying areas included
Military low-flying areas (LFA), which were last included in the 2009 edition, are again shown in full on all ICAO Charts in 2026 due to their growing relevance. They are shown in the same manner as in previous editions.
Glider edition with metres
The special glider edition of the ICAOChart is strictly metric. All altitudes, including obstacles, terrain elevations, gliding sectors and airspaces, are given in metres. The gliding sectors appear in an enhanced yellow colour to improve visibility.
Neighbouring countries
Neighbouring countries are shown based on current data in the 2026 edition. This provides pilots with a harmonised and up-to-date overall picture of the surrounding European airspace.
More detailed information will follow on the social media channels of DFS and Eisenschmidt: @dfs_pilotenwelt @eisenschmidt_pilotshop
Media contact:
Nanda Geelvink
Telephone: +49 (0)6103 707-4164
E-mail: presse@dfs.de
DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (DFS), the German air navigation service provider, is a State-owned company under private law with around 5,800 employees as at 31 December 2025. DFS ensures the safe and punctual flow of air traffic over Germany. Around 2,200 air traffic controllers guide more than three million flights through German airspace in peak years, up to 10,000 flights every day. The company operates control centres in Bremen, Karlsruhe, Langen and Munich as well as control towers at the 15 designated international airports in Germany. The subsidiary, DFS Aviation Services GmbH, markets and sells products and services related to air navigation services, and provides air traffic control at nine regional airports in Germany and at Edinburgh Airport in the United Kingdom. DFS is working on the integration of drones into air traffic and has set up a joint venture, Droniq GmbH, with Deutsche Telekom. Other subsidiaries include R. Eisenschmidt GmbH, which markets publications and products for general aviation, and Kaufbeuren ATM Training GmbH (KAT), which provides training for military air traffic services personnel. The joint venture FCS Flight Calibration Services GmbH offers flight inspection services.