Definition
CNL is the standard NOTAM and aviation message contraction meaning cancel — used to formally rescind, void, or terminate a previously issued item such as a NOTAM, flight plan, clearance, or scheduled procedure.
Plain English
CNL is short for cancel. When you see it, something that was previously issued or planned is being called off and is no longer in effect.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation notices, flight planning messages, and other shortened operational text where space is limited.
Derivation
From the Latin cancellare, meaning 'to cross out' (literally, to mark with crossed lines). Aviation shortens it to CNL to save space in NOTAMs and teletype-style messages where every character counts.
Why Pilots Care
If a NOTAM or flight plan you were relying on has been cancelled, the information or authorisation it carried is gone. Acting on a cancelled item can mean flying on outdated information or without a valid plan on file.
Intuition Check
CNL does not mean the item is delayed or changed. It means the earlier item has been canceled and should not be treated as still active.
Example Sentence 1
The briefer noted that the NOTAM restricting the parallel runway had been CNL earlier that morning.
Example Sentence 2
NOTAM 12345 CNL means the earlier runway closure notice is no longer in effect.