In aviation, getting permission to fly over certain countries or land at specific airports isn’t as simple as it sounds. When an aircraft crosses into another country’s airspace or plans to land, it needs official approval. These permissions are known as overflight and landing permits, and they’re issued by Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) around the world. Airlines, cargo operators, and charter companies rely heavily on these permits to keep flights on schedule and operating smoothly.

When these permits are refused, the results can be costly. We’re talking about flight delays, added expenses, and even potential hits to a company’s reputation, especially if they’re trusted to get things delivered or people transported on time. So let’s look at the common reasons for overflight permit refusals and landing permit refusals and what can be done to prevent and manage them.