Airspace refers to the region that extends from the Earth's surface to outer space, encompassing the atmosphere. This concept corresponds to the terms "Espace Aerien" in French, "Luftraum" in German, and "Airspace" in English. Airspace is a designated and regulated area under the sovereignty of states, within which both civil and military flights occur. It is also the zone where atmospheric events take place.
Airspace is typically divided into two main categories: national airspace and international airspace. National airspace refers to the airspace within a country's land boundaries and up to certain altitudes. International airspace, on the other hand, refers to regions outside a country's land borders, typically over seas, where aircraft from different nations can freely pass.
States have full sovereignty over their airspace. This sovereignty requires that foreign aircraft comply with certain rules in order to operate within that airspace. International airspace is regulated through intergovernmental agreements and regulations. International treaties, such as the Chicago Convention, are fundamental legal documents that govern state sovereignty over airspace and aviation safety.
Airspace is also crucial in areas such as air transportation, air traffic management, and air security. States implement various regulations and coordinate air traffic to ensure the efficient use and safety of airspace. These regulations aim to optimize airspace usage while minimizing environmental impacts.
