Can holding patterns overlap protected airspace?

Holding patterns are designed to maintain safe separation from other airspace users, particularly in protected airspace where hazards to safety may exist such as near airports, controlled airspace, or special use airspace. It is a fundamental principle in air traffic management that holding patterns must not overlap with protected airspace to ensure that all aircraft maintain a safe distance from obstacles and other air traffic.

When air traffic is managed, safety remains the highest priority; therefore, permitting any holding pattern to infringe upon protected airspace could introduce risks that could jeopardize the safety of flight operations. Thus, the clear policy against overlapping holding patterns with protected airspace is essential for maintaining operational integrity and safety standards within the airspace system.