The flight data processing section serves as the primary interface between airfield base operations and aircrews. Flight plans and related operational messages are routed through this section for processing and dissemination to the appropriate international military or civil air traffic authority. Civilian specialists provide assistance for planning instrument flight routes to aviators and de-conflicts departure slots with the Eurocontrol’s Network Manager (former Central Flow Management Unit).

Once an aircraft becomes airborne, flight data processing establishes monitoring and procedural tracking of the aircraft’s progress. All messages relating to the status of a flight are relayed to this section. If an aircraft should become overdue at its destination, the civilian specialists will initiate a communications search. This section also coordinates Air Traffic Flow Management messages and operates 24/7.