B757-200
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airspace Structure; Weather
D-SIDE issued a departure heading of 320 degrees to avoid a TFR over the northern part of Guam. There was significant weather (low ceilings; clouds; precipitation; etc) over the pilot's route and to the west. After radar contact; the pilot requested to deviate right due to weather. I told the pilot he could deviate left of course only due to a TFR off his right. He said that wouldn't help and I told him to turn right heading 330. This kept him west of the TFR; but still in hazardous weather. If I allowed the pilot to turn more to the right; the aircraft would have penetrated the TFR. We have been told that no aircraft may enter the TFR; regardless of the status of the THADD (Theatre High Altitude Area Defense System). I recommend the TFR and the THADD be removed since it is more of a hazard to navigation than the threat of missiles from North Korea. If the TFR and THADD are not removed; the airspace should be changed to a Restricted Area; Prohibited; and/or some other type of permanent airspace.
ZUA Controller laments the loss of airspace to the TFR over the THADD system on the east end of Guam. Reporter suggests the airspace should be changed to a Restricted Area; Prohibited; and/or some other type of permanent airspace; since it does not appear to be temporary in nature.