# airspace

/ˈɛɹˌspeɪs/ (US) · /ˈeəspeɪs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/airspace
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the part of the sky that is above a specific country. Governments control who can fly planes through this area.

For teachers: the portion of the atmosphere above a particular land mass or body of water, subject to the jurisdiction of a specific nation or authority.

## Examples

- The pilot requested permission to enter the country's airspace.
- Commercial airlines must follow strict routes to avoid entering restricted military airspace without authorization.
- Diplomatic tensions escalated after several fighter jets were accused of violating sovereign airspace during a series of unannounced naval exercises near the border.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.