RAF Brize Norton

Note 1 - Timings are subject to change, please check this website 24 hours before departure and again prior to any planned travel to RAF Brize Norton.

Note 2 - Early baggage drop off and check-in may be available for your flight, please call the Serco Passenger Section on 01993 89 5337 to confirm.

***THERE IS CURRENTLY NO ACCOMODATION AT RAF BRIZE NORTON DUE TO THE ONGOING BUILDING WORKS AT THE GATEWAY HOUSE. PASSENGERS ARE KINDLY ASKED TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS. A SELECTION OF LOCAL HOTELS IS DISPLAYED FURTHER DOWN THIS WEBPAGE.***

 

Important Information for Operational Passengers to Cyprus

Instruction for Operational Passengers Travelling to Cyprus via the Cyprus Air Transport Schedule (CATS):

This instruction is mandatory to facilitate the efficient management of air transport schedule and avoid bulk out.

1. Prepare a Sacrificial Hold Bag:

• If you are travelling with more than one operational bag, you are required to prepare one sacrificial hold bag.
• This bag must only contain clothing or equipment that is not urgently required.

2. Do Not Pack Dangerous Goods:

• Ensure the sacrificial hold bag does not contain any Dangerous Goods.

3. Include a Packing/Contents List:

• Place a packing/contents list inside the sacrificial hold bag.

4. Clearly Label the Bag:

• Mark the sacrificial hold bag with your Rank, Name, Unit, and End Location.

How do I book a flight?

Flight Bookings

E-booking is the default booking procedure for travel applications and should be done using the F/MOV/562e(Air). These electronic booking forms are available online from the link. F/MOV/562e (Air)

F/MOV/562e (Air). To be used for all passages except service families’ postings and Schoolchildren’s visits. This form is to be used for single, return and broken journeys, and for group and party travel of less than 6 persons. 

F/MOV/564e. Application for family passage for service families posted overseas to/from the UK and overseas to overseas at public expense to reside at the head of family’s place of duty. 

Aircore Group Booking Form. To be used for group or unit moves and allows the bulk allocation of 6-99 passengers per form that can then be imported into DAPSS/Aircore.

DPRC and Families Section contact details are as follows:

Defence Passenger Reservation Centre, DSCOM - [email protected]

Families Section, DSCOM - [email protected]

Cyprus based personnel:

Joint Booking Centre - [email protected]

Falklands based personnel:

MPN Travel Cell - [email protected]

Concessionary Passengers

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Applications for concessionary travel are to be made using the F/MOV/562e (Air) and sent to the relevant booking offices as advised below.

All applications to and from Cyprus are to be sent to: [email protected]

All applications to and from the Falkland Islands are to be sent to: [email protected]

Applications for journeys originating in the UK (apart from applications for the South Atlantic Islands and Cyprus) are to be sent by email to [email protected]

Passengers wishing to use concessionary travel to or from Cyprus are reminded that call forward for flights are normally made no earlier than 24/48 hours prior to the flight departure date by the JBC Concessionary Travel Clerk. Passengers will be contacted via a centralised text message system regardless of the travel outcome with information about call forward. Passengers being called forward for a passage from the UK to Cyprus are to be aware that the JBC will commence call forwards from 0730L hours Cyprus time (0530L UK Time).

Applicants should be aware that all contact with the JBC is via email and MODNET Teams App.

Note: Staff at the Air Terminal at RAF Brize Norton are not authorised to create passenger bookings.

Passenger Itinerary (PIT)

Once you are confirmed onto a flight, a PIT should be sent out to all passengers travelling on Mil AT. The PIT has more in-depth information about the location and should be carefully read prior to arrival at RAF Brize Norton. If you didn’t receive a PIT, please contact your booking office. The PIT will also detail any VISA requirements that you may need for your destination.

Universal Permission to Travel (UPT)

From 25 Feb 26, passengers visiting, transiting, or arriving in the UK will require a Universal Permission to Travel (UPT) as part of the UK’s move to digital-only immigration products. Recognised permissions include the following:

a.      A British or Irish Passport, or

b.      An eVisa (this must be linked to your UKVI account), or

c.      A physical vignette within a passport (please note the UK is phasing these out in late 2026), or

d.      Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode (for specific Commonwealth citizens only), or

e.      An approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) (this is mandatory for non-visa nationals).

Dual Nationals. 

It is not possible for dual nationals to have an e-Visa or ETA. As such, dual nationals should travel on:

a.      A valid British or Irish passport, or

b.      A valid Certificate of Entitlement to Right of Abode in a valid third country passport, or

c.      An expired British passport (issued 1989 or later), accompanied by a valid non-visa national third country passport, provided that the biographic details in third country passport match those in the British passport.

It is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure they have the correct permission to travel prior to arriving at the airport. Any passenger that presents at check-in without a valid permission to travel may be denied boarding, in line with the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

Baggage Information

Baggage Allowance and Restrictions

Baggage allowance is allocated in accordance with a passenger’s reason for travel. One individual bag must not exceed 28 Kgs (this is a Health and Safety restriction).

Note: There is no restriction on the number of bags accepted, provided the baggage entitlement is not exceeded. Any passengers presenting baggage that exceeds 28kgs may be given a clear plastic bag and asked to transfer items to ensure all baggage is under 28kgs

See JSP 800 Table 2-6-1: Basic Hold Baggage Entitlements for Air Travel.

Excess Baggage

Requests for excess baggage should be submitted to DPRC as follows:

Email: [email protected]

Note1: Staff at the Air Terminal at RAF Brize Norton cannot authorise excess baggage.

Dangerous Articles

The carriage of accompanied baggage is subject to the rules and regulations covering dangerous articles as detailed in Part 2 Chapter 10 of the JSP 800 Vol 2 and Dangerous Goods Manual.

Tools, Toolboxes and Spares

Tools, spares and specialist equipment, including military issue equipment are not permitted to be carried as accompanied or additional baggage unless prior authorisation is granted by your booking agent and annotated on the passenger booking.

Routine Submissions for the Carriage of Tools.

Requests to move tools, spares and specialist equipment including military issue equipment, are to be forwarded with a completed Air Waybill (F1380), DSCOM Air Freight Centre at

[email protected]

Outsized Baggage Items

Large items e.g. bike boxes, surf boards, golf clubs etc must be authorised by Passenger Plans before they can be accepted. This is for items departing RAF Brize Norton only and are to be included within your baggage entitlement.

Please E-Mail: [email protected] for authority.

Cabin/Hand Baggage

Cabin baggage, also known as hand baggage, is that element of the combined baggage entitlement permitted to be taken into the aircraft passenger compartment by the passenger. Cabin baggage is limited in size and weight to fit in the overhead cabins (where fitted) or under the seat in front so as not to impede the movement of cabin crew and other passengers and for safety purposes in the event of emergency egress.

Max weight per item – 9Kgs. Dims: 60 cm X 25 cm X 53 cm. (One item per passenger).

Passengers travelling on the South Atlantic Schedule to the Falkland Islands via Ascension are permitted to carry two items of cabin baggage, but the total weight of both pieces combined must not exceed 9 Kgs.

Hold/Check-in Baggage

Hold/Check-in baggage is limited to 28Kgs max per item and the following dimensions:

60cm x 45cm x 100cm

Power Banks

Carriage of batteries and power banks on aircraft

Power banks are only permitted for carriage in ‘Carry-On Baggage’.

Power banks must not exceed an energy value of 100 Wh (watt-hours). The energy value and CE marking must be clearly visible on the casing of the power bank. Any power bank where this information is obscured/missing or is more than 100 Wh will not be permitted to travel onboard AT aircraft.

Personnel should expect to be asked questions by check-in and RAF Police Air Transport Security (ATSy) staff regarding their PEDs and power banks. Devices may be inspected by ATSy screeners; non-compliant devices may be confiscated.

Power banks should be in a visually good condition. Any damaged devices, such as cracked/fractured casing, or swelling/bulging will not be permitted to travel.

PEDs and power banks are not permitted to be charged from an aircraft power outlet in flight or on the ground. Power banks are permitted to charge other devices under the direction of the Air Loadmaster/Cabin Crew. These power banks must be visible while power transfer is taking place and must always be monitored during use.

Arriving at RAF Brize Norton

Passenger Liaison Assistant (PLA)

There is now a member of the SERCO Air Terminal team (PLA) positioned at the 'Main Entry Point' (MEP) to RAF Brize Norton specifically to assist passengers with the RAF Akrotiri and Mount Pleasant scheduled flights.  They will be easily identifiable outside the passes & permits office within the car park area. 

The PLA is there to provide passenger assistance by:

• Providing up to date information for the flight.
• Directing experienced and first-time travellers of where to collect the appropriate station pass.
• Arranging MT transport to the Air Terminal.

The PLA will be on duty at the MEP 6 hours prior to the scheduled aircraft departure time.

There is no longer a requirement for passengers to proceed to the MT Yard. The MT shuttle bus will collect passengers from the MEP car park.

Travelling to RAF Brize Norton

Postcode: OX18 3LX

Nearest Rail Station: Oxford

Nearest Bus Station: Oxford Gloucester Green is the main terminus.  Bus Service S1 also stops outside the rail station.

Note: Passengers arriving at London Heathrow (LHR) will have to make their own arrangements for onward travel to RAF Brize Norton as MT do not offer a collection service from LHR.

Overnight Accommodation

Gateway House is currently closed therefore accommodation is no longer available.

Hire Car (Drop Off)

Passengers travelling in a hire car will need to park the car in the hire car compound just inside the main gate. During silent hours, keys are to be deposited in the boxes provided. MT transport to the Air Terminal is available on request from the Main Entry Point.

Hire Car (Collection)

Inbound passengers who have booked hire cars from Thrifty are to proceed to the hire car area by the main gate to collect the vehicle.  Keys can only be obtained from a secure container by using a booking reference supplied at time of booking.

Private Car Parking

Only Military personnel and civilian passengers who hold a valid unescorted pass for RAF Brize Norton are entitled to apply for long stay car parking.

Please send all long stay parking enquiries to the General Duties Flight by the following E-Mail address [email protected]

Any passengers reporting for a flight with a private vehicle and no authorisation will be refused entry.

Note: The Air Terminal car park is restricted to a 12 hour parking limit.

Entry Passes

Passengers in possession of Service ID (MOD 90) and those holding ZUB passes do not need to report to the Main Gate Security office.  All other passengers must obtain a visitors pass which must be visibly displayed on their person at all times.

Latest Reporting Time

All passengers unless approved otherwise must arrive and be checked in NLT 3 hours prior to flight departure.  Passengers arriving after this time may be denied travel.  Passengers experiencing difficulties in making this restriction are requested to contact the Passenger Desk staff on 01993 895337 and advise of expected arrival time.  Staff will advise if the late arrival still permits them to travel.

Note1: Passengers travelling on the Cyprus Trooper and the South Atlantic schedule will be assisted by a Passenger Liaison Assistant (PLA) on duty at the Main Gate. PLA will arrange transport to the Air Terminal. PLA will be on duty whilst the check-in desks are open.

Note2. Passengers are requested not to leave unattended bags at the Main Gate.

Check-in

Air Terminal

On arrival at the Air Terminal please report to the check-in desks if check-in is open.  If necessary, please join the queue using the barrier system.  Please have your Passports and MOD 90 (if applicable) ready for inspection.  If you arrive before check-in has opened, please take a seat. Once checked in, passengers will be briefed on what time they need to report back to go through security. All passengers are required at the desk for check-in.

Note 1: Passengers are requested not to leave unattended bags in the Air Terminal.

Note 2: Passengers reporting for a flight without a valid Passport will be refused travel (see below).

MOD REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLY WITH HOME OFFICE AND UK BORDER FORCE (UKBF) LEGISLATION

Legal Requirement.

In order to comply with relevant legislation, as a carrier of passengers the MOD is required to ensure that every passenger has a valid passport or travel document acceptable in the UK. The MOD must verify that the passenger is the rightful holder before travel, and if the person needs a visa for travel or entry, it is of the required kind and is valid for the traveller.

Passengers carrying Weapons

Please report to the check-in desk as normal.  The weapon will be weighed, tagged and returned to the passenger. The weapon is then to be taken to the Air Transport Liaison Desk (ATLO) who will document the weapon and place in a secure cage ready for loading to the aircraft.

Seat Allocations

Seats are allocated on the two main scheduled flights operated from Brize Norton, Cyprus (Tue/Sat) and ASI-MPN (Sun/Wed) by Passenger Plans. The check-in staff do not control seat allocation. Passengers on the same booking are normally seated together. Passengers on separate bookings with different surnames may not be sat together unless you notify the booking agent of your request to be sat together. Any passenger requiring a particular seat due to medical requirements are asked to contact Passenger Plans in advance.

[email protected]

Why does the flight close 3 hours before departure

As detailed below, passenger staff must finalise the flight 2 hours before the scheduled departure time in order to comply with UK Border Force (UKBF) legislation.  Any late submissions will incur a financial penalty.

Advance Passenger Information (API) – Civilian Passengers. UKBF requires the details of all civilian passengers on MOD flights to be sent to it electronically before each flight. This applies to civilians of all nationalities; and both on flights inbound to, and outbound from the UK. The MOD complies with this legal requirement by ensuring that all civilian passengers have a Travel Status Code of DUTY-CIV, SA-CIV and REV -REPAY in their booking and that their passport data is added to the travel documents section of DAPSS/AirCore. Civilian passengers must not to be given a Military status code such as:

DUTY-MIL. Subsequently, the system sends electronic messages to UKBF containing the API of all civilian passengers at 24 hours and 2 hours before scheduled departure (triggered automatically); and finally at board-through completion (triggered manually by APOD staff) so that they can be screened and watch listed. Locations without access to Aircore must submit the details using the UKBF web-based portal SGAR 2 hours before scheduled departure.

Payment for Concessionary Passengers

Those passengers travelling under the Concessionary scheme are required to pay for their flight.  After check-in passengers will be directed to the ATLO window where payment is collected.  Payment is by card only at RAF Brize Norton; cash cannot be accepted.  American Express cards cannot be used to pay for flights.

Clothing requirements on C-17 and A400M aircraft

Long sleeve and long-legged garments are required, and passengers are to wear robust footwear with the whole foot covered (no flip-flops) when travelling on these aircraft. The passenger cabin/cargo hold is often cold during flight. Shorts or skirts of any kind are not to be worn when travelling on C17 or A400M aircraft.

Board-Thru

Air Transport Security (ATSY)

At approximately two hours before flight departure, passengers will be called forward to the screening area. When called forward please take all your belongings and deposit any rubbish in the bins provided. There are no restrictions on taking liquids through security. For passengers travelling in civilian clothing, you will be required to remove any footwear and place in the tray provided. You will be briefed on what items are required to be placed in the tray. Please wait until called forward to go through security. After you have passed through the scanner, please take all your belongings into the Departure Lounge before replacing shoes etc.

Departure Lounge

Once all passengers are in the Departure Lounge you will receive a number of briefings. Please give the staff your full attention. There is a small shop in the Lounge which opens for scheduled flights (Cyprus/Falklands).  A children’s play is also available under parents’ supervision.

Passenger Reporting Officer (PRO)

On most flights a Passenger Reporting Officer is nominated. Authorised Movements (Movs) staff from the despatching military or civil airhead are responsible for appointing a PRO on Military Air Transport or charter flights from and to the UK where 10 or more passengers are boarded. The PRO is responsible for liaising between passengers and crew should the aircraft be diverted.  If any passenger has any comments on the standard of the flight operation the PRO can report back on their behalf.

Boarding the Aircraft

The aircraft may be parked close to the Air Terminal or on a remote bay. Passengers will be boarded depending on whether the aircraft has allocated seating or is Free seating.

Note: To avoid Foreign Object Damage (FOD) all hats, including headdress, are to be removed prior to exiting the lounge and not replaced until inside the aircraft.

Pre-seated flights

Passengers will be called forward in accordance with their seat row number e.g. Rows 1-7.  Please listen carefully to the seat rows that are being called as they are not always consecutive.  Passengers are to have their boarding card ready for inspection both at the Departure Lounge exit door and upon entering the aircraft.

Free seated flights

Passengers will be called forward in groups e.g. 40 at a time.

Smoking Policy

In the interests of passenger comfort and safety, smoking, which includes the use of e-cigarettes and vaping, is strictly prohibited on all aircraft, on buses, airfield and inside the Air Terminal.

Photography Policy

The use of cameras and mobile phones used to take photographs is strictly prohibited at all times on the airfield by order of the Station Commander.

Flight Delays/Cancellations

Should a flight unfortunately suffer a delay/cancellation, passengers will be briefed on the estimated length of the delay/cancellation.  Passengers are advised to carry spare clothing/toiletries in their hand baggage in the event of an overnight delay as checked baggage, if loaded to the aircraft may not be returned to them.

In the unfortunate event of a flight cancellation, passengers are to contact their original booking office to enquire about any changes to their flight.

Inbound Flights

Arriving at RAF Brize Norton

Passengers arriving at RAF Brize Norton will be transported either on foot or by MT bus to the Arrivals area. Border Force Officers may be present for some arrivals and will carry out normal immigration procedures. Passengers with cabin baggage only may exit the lounge once these formalities have been completed.

Inbound Baggage

Passenger's baggage should start arriving on the carousel as soon as possible. Baggage trolleys are available for passengers to use. The length of time it takes for baggage to arrive is totally dependent on the aircraft parking location.

Transport from RAF Brize Norton

Those passengers requiring transport to the main gate or hire car park may use the shuttle service from outside the Air Terminal. The shuttle bus is automatically provided for inbound scheduled aircraft arriving from Cyprus and the Falklands.  All other inbounds will require passengers to request this service from the staff at the information desk in the Arrivals lounge.

Those entitled passengers requiring transport to London Heathrow must advise the Passenger Staff so their name can be added to the list. Passengers are required to show proof of a valid flight booking or transport will not be provided. Passengers requiring transport to Oxford railway station must also prove they have a Rail booking.

Most taxis and private transport will be held at the main gate.

Inbound Weapons

Personal weapons must be collected from the weapons collection area in the arrivals lounge which is controlled by the ATLO staff.

Lost Baggage

Passenger Liability. The MOD may not accept liability in respect of the loss of or damage to baggage. Therefore, passengers are to be advised in their movement instructions to insure their baggage against loss or damage. The cost of insurance incurred by passengers is not recoverable from public funds.

Where compensation for loss or damage cannot be obtained under an existing insurance policy, or when the loss or damage results from the exigencies of the Service, MOD civilian and Service personnel are to submit JPA Form F014 or MOD Form 441 (Revised 10/10), accompanied by a Lost/Damaged Baggage Proforma, held by Movements staff, and proof of ownership or purchase to:

Baggage Claims Officer, Business and Finance Office

RAF Brize Norton

Carterton

OXON

OX18 3LX.

Tel 01993 89 7608

Local Facilities

Local Hotels

The Vines, Burford Rd, Black Bourton, Bampton OX18 2PF         01993 843559

Travelodge, Henry Blake Way, Faringdon SN7 7GQ                      08719 846572

Travelodge,  40 Bury Barn Lechlade Road, Burford OX18 4JF     08719 846018

Premier Inn, Ducklington Ln, Witney OX28 4JF Witney               0333 3219343

Travelodge Ducklington Ln, Witney OX28 4JT                              08719 846576

Other Information

Carriage of physically disabled passengers/passengers with a medical condition

Medical Assessment. In accordance with the Surgeon General’s Policy Letter (SPGL 04/05 dated 21 Feb 2005), any person carried on RAF ATF or Charter aircraft, that may suffer discomfort or may be unable to egress the aircraft unaided due to physical disability or known medical condition, must be assessed fit to fly by the local medical authority and thereafter, authorised to travel by the Aeromedical Evacuation Coordination Centre (AECC). Bookings should be annotated to confirm the passenger has been awarded ‘fit to fly’ certificate by a medical officer. Failure to produce a Fit to Fly certificate when required may result in the passenger being offloaded from the flight.

Carriage of Children

All children travelling on MOD operated flights must fall under one of the following categories:

Accompanied by Parent or Guardian. In most cases a parent or guardian should accompany their child for the whole journey. The adult must be entitled to travel on the MOD operated flight.

Accompanied by Nominated Adult. A child’s parent or guardian may, if they are content to do so, nominate another adult to accompany the child on the journey. To do this, the parent or guardian must complete and submit the Accompanied Minor Form (All Ages) at the time of booking a seat. The adult must be entitled to travel on the MOD operated flight.

Unaccompanied 16 and 17-Year-Olds. The MOD allows 16 and 17-year-olds to travel unaccompanied on MOD operated flights, provided the parent or guardian considers them capable of doing so independently and has given their consent. To do this, the parent or guardian must complete and submit the Unaccompanied Minor (16 and 17-Year-Olds Only) Form at the time of booking a seat. A copy of this form must be presented at check in.

Dependent children with differing family names - Parents may be asked about their relationship to the accompanying child(ren) as a matter of course but are very likely to be asked if they have a different surname. It is recommended that parents / guardians, in such situations, carry a copy of the birth or adoption certificate, without such evidence, the check in staff may talk to the parents / guardians and child(ren) depending on their age, to satisfy themselves of the relationship.

Expectant Mothers

Normal Limitations. Pregnant women may be accepted for air transport without special precautions up to four weeks before the date of confinement (the end of the 36th week of pregnancy) provided:

a. There is no history of significant bleeding at any stage of the pregnancy.

b. There is no history to suggest that premature onset of labour is likely.

c. 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.

Dietary Requirements

Special Dietary requirements

Passengers are responsible for ensuring that accurate information is provided to Travel Cells and Booking Offices regarding special dietary requirements i.e. Vegetarian or gluten-free special meals, and to include information that might be useful to the crew i.e. allergies to nuts etc. Travel Clerks and Booking Office personnel making flight reservations, are to ensure that the booking is annotated accordingly. They are to ensure that such requirements are included on the booking itinerary as an AIRLINE SERVICE (code: ALLY), which will allow the information to be available to handling staffs and crew for both military and charter flights.

Individuals with severe allergies and intolerances may prefer to bring their own food with them, however this is at the individuals own risk and cost.

Significant Allergies

Individuals with a history of a severe anaphylactic reaction that has threatened the airway and has led to the prescribing of EpiPens or equivalent are responsible for providing relevant details at the time of booking to Travel Cells and Booking Offices using the significant allergies declaration form.

Contact Information

SERCO Passenger Desk - 01993 895337

SERCO Passenger email - [email protected]

The SERCO Passenger team operated on a 24 hour basis.

The RAF Brize Norton Passenger Plans team operate 0800-1700, Monday-Friday (excluding Bank holidays)

RAF Brize Norton Passenger Plans email: [email protected]

RAF Brize Norton Passenger Feedback - [email protected]