Mount Pleasant Complex

PROJECT MACE (25 July - 15 Nov, East Midlands Airport)

From 25 July 26 – 15 Nov 26 (Subject to amendment), RAF Brize Norton will have its runway resurface. During this period all passengers will fly to East Midlands Airport (EMA). Further details of what to expect are below. 

EAST MIDLANDS AIRPORT INFORMATION

ARRIVAL AT EMA. Where appropriate all passengers are to carry a valid UK or international passport; NATO travel orders will not be accepted.

HIRE CAR DROP OFF. Passengers arriving in their hire cars are responsible for the collection and return of their vehicles to their hire car company.

PARKING. Short-term car parking is available at own or unit cost where appropriate.

CHECK IN. Check in desks will OPEN 5 hours before flight departure and then CLOSE 2.5 hours before flight departure. Passengers will not be processed at EMA prior to the opening of check-in.

FLIGHT SHUT OUT. Out. Failure to check-in for your flight by Flight Shut Out at EMA, (2.5hrs pre-ETD), will result in you not being boarded. Should you be delayed for any reason en-route to the airfield, you should contact the RAF Movements staff as soon as possible on the following number

DRESS. All passengers travelling through EMA must wear civilian attire that is smart, clean, and does not reflect badly on the MoD.

CONCESSIONARY PAYMENT. Payment for concessionary passengers can only be made by card and American Express is not accepted.

EXCESS BAGGAGE CHARGE PAYMENT. Payment for Excess Baggage Charge if incurred can only be made by card and American Express is not accepted.

ACCOMMODATION ENTITLEMENT. There is no military accommodation available at EMA. Accommodation should be booked at own or unit cost where appropriate. MoD Civil Servants and Service Personnel on duty, should book via Amex Global Business Traveller (AmexGBT), and all other passengers via hotels direct.

AMEX. All MoD Civil Servants and Service Personnel travelling on duty on the South Atlantic Airbridge are to ensure they have their own AMEX Global Business Traveller Account set up prior to travelling.

VIP FACILITIES. No VIP facilities will be provided during MACE by the MoD. Any airport lounge facilities are available for use at the passenger’s own expense and are not funded, arranged, or endorsed as part of MACE.

ONWARD TRAVEL FROM EMA. Passengers from scheduled flights terminating at EMA are to make their own arrangements to proceed to their UK destinations.

FURTHER INFORMATION. Please check the Passenger Information pages on the RAF Brize Norton site for up to date information on EMA flights. Please log on to: RAF Brize Norton Passenger Information.

DELUGE (Overnight delay at EMA). Upon an announcement of a significant delay to departure, passengers will have their hold baggage returned to them and the Duty Air Movements Officer (DAMO) will co-ordinate dispersal from the airport for a next day check-in. All information will be disseminated via the RAF Brize Norton Passenger Information website.

 

How to Book a Flight

• If your journey is to/from the Falkland Islands, email BFSAI‑BSW‑Travel‑Cell‑[email protected]
  • Use F/MOV/562e (Air) for most individual travel. On the BFSAI SharePoint page, there is a guidance sheet to complete this form.
  • Use F/MOV/564e for service family postings.
  • Use the Group Booking Form for 6–99 passengers.
• You’ll receive a Passenger Itinerary (PIT) once your flight booking has been confirmed — read it carefully.
• The PIT includes reporting times, location, and furter guidance.
  • Didn’t receive a PIT? Contact your booking office.

Where to send applications

• Falklands‑related travel:  BFSAI‑BSW‑Travel‑Cell‑[email protected]
• Otherwise: Send to your relevant booking office (DPRC, JABC, FIGO as per your unit guidance).
• Note: The Air Terminal at RAF Mount Pleasant cannot create bookings.

Before You Travel

A. Documents & UPT (Universal Permission to Travel)

From 25 Feb 2026, anyone visiting, transiting, or arriving in the UK must hold a valid permission to travel (UPT). Recognised permissions include:

• British or Irish passport, or
• eVisa (linked to your UKVI account), or
• Valid physical vignette (being phased out late 2026), or
• Certificate of Entitlement to Right of Abode (for eligible Commonwealth citizens), or
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) (mandatory for non‑visa nationals).
• Please ensure you have at least 6 months validity on passports before you travel. Failure of this will result in having to get an emergency passport from Stanley.

Dual nationals cannot hold an eVisa/ETA. Travel with:

• A British/Irish passport, or
• Certificate of Entitlement in a valid third‑country passport, or
• An expired British passport (1989+) plus a valid non‑visa national third‑country passport (matching biographic details).
• It’s your responsibility to arrive with the correct permission. Passengers without valid permission may be denied boarding under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

B. Baggage Rules

• Hold/Check‑in: each bag ≤ 28 kg (H&S limit). No limit to number of bags within entitlement.
• Cabin/Hand baggage: South Atlantic schedule to Brize via Ascension: up to 2 items totalling ≤ 9 kg. Sizes as follows ≤ 9 kg, 60 × 25 × 53 cm.

• Outsized & Excess Baggage requirements (bikes, surfboards, golf clubs, etc.): authorisation from FMCC is required before acceptance. Email: BFSAI‑ELW‑SAMS‑FMCC‑[email protected]
• Dangerous Goods: JSP 800 Vol 2 (Part 2 Ch 10) and Dangerous Goods Manual (DGM) rules apply.

C. Power Banks & Batteries

• Cabin only (carry‑on). MUST NOT be placed in hold baggage. 
• Each passenger may only carry two power banks.
• Must be ≤ 100 Wh, CE marking visible. Damaged/swollen devices not permitted.
• Do not use aircraft power outlets to charge PEDs/power banks. Using a power bank to charge devices is only under crew direction and must be monitored.

Check‑in & Boarding

Arrive no later than 3 hours before departure. Late arrivals may be refused travel.

Phase 1 – Check‑in (military and contractors)

• Present passport (and MOD90 if applicable).
• Baggage: tag & weigh. If any item > 28 kg, you may be asked to repack.
• Weapons: weighed & tagged at the desk, then take to ATLO for secure stowage. The RAF Form 7550 needs completing. 
• Concessionary Passengers: Payments to be made at check-in (Only card payments are accepted)

UK Border Force timing

• Flight manifests for civilian passengers have to be sent to UKBF at T‑24 and T‑2, and at board‑through. To avoid penalties, the flight must be finalised by T‑2, hence the NLT T‑3 check‑in close time for passengers.

Phase 2 – Check-in (civilian check-in)

• Present passport (and MOD90/ZUB card if applicable).
• Baggage: tag & weigh. If any item > 28 kg, you may be asked to repack.
• To prevent BFSAI children missing school, all families travelling with school-aged children, are granted phase 2 check-in.
• Concessionary Passengers: Payment to be made at check-in (only card payments are accepted)

Board Through

• Board through starts at the same time as phase 2 check-in.
• There is a bus from 12FAC 10 minutes prior to phase 2 check-in opening time, which you can also use if you have already checked in to proceed to board through.
• When arriving at board through please have your passport and boarding pass ready for inspection.
• After board through, you will then go through security. Please follow RAF police direction carefully while going through security.

Departure Lounge

• Listen for briefings; small shop and cafe available during scheduled flights; supervised children’s play area.

Boarding

• Pre‑seated flights: called by seat rows (not always consecutive — listen carefully).
• FOD discipline: remove headwear before exiting the lounge; replace only once inside the aircraft.

During Your Journey

• Smoking/vaping: prohibited on all aircraft, buses, airfield, and inside the terminal.
• Photography: prohibited on the airfield by order of the Station Commander.
• PRO (Passenger Reporting Officer): may be nominated when ≥10 passengers. PRO liaises with crew, especially if diverted; can collect feedback on your behalf.
• Delays/Cancellations: you’ll be updated by staff. Keep toiletries/spare clothes in hand baggage in case of overnight delay. For cancellations, contact your booking office for rebooking.

 Arrivals at RAF Mount Pleasant

• Passengers are escorted to the terminal (assistance provided as required).
• Border Force are present to complete immigration formalities.
• Transport onward: arrange via your unit (on‑base) or contracting company. Civilians: pre‑book with FIC Travel & Tourism (Falkland Islands Company).
• Inbound weapons: go to the arrivals weapons collection area (ATLO controlled).
• Lost/damaged baggage: MOD liability is limited. Passengers should insure baggage. If not recoverable via insurance (or for service exigency), Service/MOD civilians can submit JPA Form F014.

Special Passengers

Medical / Reduced Mobility

• Anyone who may be unable to self‑egress or may suffer discomfort must be assessed fit to fly by the local medical authority and may require AECC authorisation. Ensure your booking is annotated; carry email confirmation from the Aeromed Centre.

Children & Young Persons

• Accompanied Minor From (1-16 yrs): child travels with parent/guardian (or a nominated adult), must be shown at check‑in.
• Unaccompanied Minor Form (16-17yrs): permitted with parental consent, must be shown at check‑in.
• If they have different surnames, they must carry proof of relationship (birth/adoption certificate). Staff may ask routine safeguarding questions.

Expectant Mothers

• A doctor's letter is required for all women travelling between the 28th and 36th week of pregnancy, confirming that the above precautions have been met and indicating the estimated date of delivery.
• History of significant bleeding / likely premature labour: not accepted.
• For twin pregnancies, expectant mothers will not be allowed to fly as ordinary passengers after the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.
• If expectant mothers do not have medical clearance, this will result in the passenger not being able to fly.

Dietary Requirements & Allergies

• Tell Travel Cells/Booking Offices in advance (vegetarian, gluten‑free, allergies).
• Ensure bookings are annotated (AIRLINE SERVICE code ALLY) so crews are informed.
• Those with severe anaphylaxis should complete the significant allergies declaration at booking. Consider bringing your own food (at your own risk).

Weapons

• Declare at check‑in; then take to ATLO for secure stowage and documentation.

Tools & Freight Movement

• Tools, spares, specialist or military‑issue equipment are not permitted in accompanied baggage unless pre‑authorised and annotated on the booking.
• Routine tool/spares moves: submit Air Waybill (F1380) to DSCOM Air Freight Centre: UKSTRATCOM‑DefSp‑DSCOM‑[email protected].

Contacts

• Passenger Plans (RAF MPA) [email protected]
• FMCC: [email protected]
• DPRC (DSCOM):  UKStratCom‑DefSp‑DSCOM‑[email protected]
• FIGO: UKStratCom‑DefSp‑DSCOM‑[email protected]
• JABC MPN: BFSAI‑ELW‑SAMS‑JABS [email protected]
• Falklands Travel Cell: BFSAI‑BSW‑Travel‑Cell‑[email protected]
• Aeromed Centre: UKSTRATCOM‑DMS‑DPHC‑FLK‑[email protected]

 

Feedback

• Email: BZN‑AMS‑[email protected]
• All feedback welcome — it helps improve the South Atlantic Airbridge.