What is the GFL?
The “Golden Flight Level” or “GFL” is the annual international winter sports world championship for air traffic controllers with participants from all over the world.
The 51st edition of the GFL will be held from January 17th to 24th, 2026 at Kreischberg in Styria and organized by air traffic controllers based in Karlsruhe.
The GFL was founded in 1976 by air traffic controllers from Munich and Vienna. Since they worked together every day without ever seeing each other, they created an event with a ski race to get to know each other and exchange ideas.
This original weekend has now become a complete winter sports week for air traffic control staff from all over the world.
Explore the GFL spirit of the past years!
In addition to the sporting competitions, the most important point remains the social aspect, meeting colleagues from different countries to exchange ideas across borders, discuss air traffic control and make new friends.
Today’s GFL includes ski, snowboard and a cross-country ski race as well as a spectacular program to round off the week. We hold an opening ceremony, ease up the week with a theme evening including a party and announce the winners at the farewell gala.
In addition to the sporting competitions, the most important point remains the social aspect, meeting colleagues from different countries to exchange ideas across borders, discuss air traffic control and make new friends.