The U.S. FAA outlined general aviation and unmanned air traffic management plans and restrictions in the Atlanta vicinity during the week surrounding Super Bowl LIII, which is scheduled for February 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. A specific TFR is planned for the day of the Super Bowl, but air traffic management procedures will cover general aviation operations between January 29 and February 5. Additional restrictions specific to unmanned operations will be in place before, during, and after the Super Bowl, the agency added.

During the period between January 29 and February 5, a reservation program will be instituted at two-dozen Atlanta metropolitan airports. Pilots should contact the FBO at their destination to obtain reservations.

Special air traffic procedures will be implemented at about half of those airports during the period to minimize delays and enhance safety, the agency added. These include at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK), Fulton County Airport-Brown Field (FTY), Cobb County International Airport-McCollum Field (RYY), Gwinnett County Airport-Briscoe Field (LZU), Newnan Coweta County Airport (CCO), Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport (PUJ), Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field (FFC), Henry County Airport (HMP), Griffin-Spalding County Airport (6A2), and Covington Municipal Airport (CVC).

A Notam further will provide for arrival and departure route requirements for jet and turboprop aircraft. The FAA warned pilots to be prepared for air traffic management initiatives such as ground delay programs, airspace flow programs, time-based metering, miles in trail, airborne holding, and ground stops.

The TFR planned for the day of the Super Bowl is expected to include a 10-nm inner core and 30-nm outer ring and last from 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. EST. Scheduled airlines operating at Atlanta Hartsfield will not be affected by the TFR, and emergency medical, public safety, and military aircraft will be able to enter the restricted airspace in coordination with air traffic control.

The FAA has created a webpage providing information about plans for Super Bowl air traffic management and is planning to publish the TFR in January. In addition, the agency has posted a video on YouTube discussing drone restrictions.