Enables Layering Of Overflights In Congested Areas

The FAA introduced a new ultra-high airspace in the spring of 2025 covering northern Florida and parts of the Southeast. The move provides more available airspace through the Florida panhandle and Gulf of America.

Prior to the new airspace, one controller managed all high-altitude flights in this area which often led to congestion. This was particularly true during bad weather.

The airspace has been divided into three “ultra-high” sectors, each worked by a separate controller at the Jacksonville ARTCC, or Air Route Traffic Control Center.

The new sectors are:

• Sector 21 – Flight Level (FL) 350 and above (35,000 feet)
• Sector 31 – FL370 and above (37,000 feet)
• Sector 32 – FL370 and above (37,000 feet)

The division into three new sectors enables multiple controllers to manage traffic simultaneously. Aircraft on longer haul flights such as overflights to the Caribbean, can stay at higher altitudes, while aircraft descending into Florida will fly through the lower levels.

The new layered approach increases capacity of the system, improves safety, and cuts down on delays.

Establishing the new sectors makes it easier to use Traffic Management Initiatives to balance air traffic demand with the available capacity. These are often needed during bad weather, space launches, and other high-demand situations and may cause delays. The ultra-high sectors gives the system more flexibility and controllers can be more strategic by isolating congested areas without affecting the entire system.

The addition of ultra-high sectors comes under the FAA’s broader strategy to modernize and improve the National Airspace System. Refer to the FAA’s blog for more information.

FMI:  www.faa.gov/