The Belgian Air Force aircraft presented a General Air Traffic (GAT) flight plan and were under the control and responsibility of the Civil Authorities for air traffic control in compliance with the rules established in the official publication containing aeronautical information (AIP ).
In relation to the news reported by some local press on October 28, relating to the overflight by military aircraft in the alpine areas of Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa, it is reported that no aircraft of the Italian Air Force was flying in such zones on the day and at the times indicated.
From a check carried out by the Armed Force bodies responsible for coordinating flight activities on the national territory, it emerged that the overflights described in the articles are attributable to the route followed by a formation of Belgian Air Force F-16s in the context of a flight transfer from Italy to the home base.
According to what was reported by official sources of the Belgian Air Force, the entire activity, carried out according to the visual flight rules (VFR), was conducted, as per procedures, after careful planning and in compliance the requirements of the official publication containing aeronautical information (Aeronautical Information Publication, AIP), including the minimum overflight altitudes, respected during the execution of the mission.
In this circumstance, the Belgian aircraft submitted a General Air Traffic (GAT) flight plan and were - for the entire duration of the flight - under the control and responsibility of the Civil Bodies for air traffic control, in accordance with the provisions required by national regulation.