At what distance does international airspace begin from a nation's low waterline?

International airspace begins at a distance of 12 nautical miles from a nation's low waterline. This concept is rooted in international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Under UNCLOS, coastal nations have the right to establish a territorial sea that extends up to 12 nautical miles from their baseline, which is typically the low waterline along the coast.

Within this 12-nautical-mile zone, the coastal state has sovereignty, meaning it can enforce laws, regulate economic activities, and control air traffic. Beyond this limit, the airspace is considered international, which means that aircraft from different nations can freely operate without interference from the coastal state, as long as they adhere to international aviation regulations.

Thus, recognizing the delineation of airspace at 12 nautical miles is crucial for understanding both maritime and aerial navigation rules, ensuring that military and civilian operations comply with international law.