Key Outcomes & Global Compliance by 2028

• Mandatory 30 NM Separation: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced that compliance for 30 NM longitudinal separation in category R airspace is expected to be mandated by the end of 2028. All participating states agreed to this deadline, which will now be forwarded to the ATM/SG 14 for final approval.

• Modernization of Bilateral Agreements: Sri Lanka held successful bilateral discussions with all neighboring Flight Information Regions (FIRs). All states agreed to review and renew their respective Letters of Agreement (LoAs).

Strengthening Regional Partnerships

• Collaborative Trials with India: India has agreed in principle to commence trial operations on 30 NM separation with Sri Lanka. Furthermore, agreement was reached to reduce separation at the Transfer of Control (TOC) to 10 NM in Category S airspace bordering the Colombo FIR and India.

• Pioneering Dialogue with Australia: Seeking to maximize immediate operational capabilities, CAASL and AASL confirmed the possibility of conducting 30 NM RNP 4 based separation utilizing ADS-C and CPDLC equipped aircraft. Backed by the ICAO Secretariat's strong endorsement, Sri Lanka will officially initiate dialogue with Air Services Australia to implement 30 NM longitudinal separation on selected routes.

• Cost-Effective Solutions with Malaysia: Discussions with Malaysia clarified the Boeing CRA (Central Reporting Agency) agreement criteria. Malaysia shared its streamlined, event-based cost structure, providing a clear roadmap for Sri Lanka to establish its own compliance path as the 30 NM requirement becomes mandatory.

• Colombo FIR: Fully Equipped and Future-Ready Sri Lanka’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems are already fully capable of supporting Performance-Based Communication and Surveillance (PBCS)-enabled 30 NM longitudinal separation.