CAA to gain new powers to fine airlines and airports via sweeping aviation rule changes

Airlines and airports will be required to “properly compensate” cancelled flights, assist disabled people to travel freely and support travellers through disruption or face stronger enforcement from the aviation regulator.

 

The Civil Aviation Authority is to be given new powers, including the ability to fine the “minority” of airlines and airports that fail to deliver for passengers, via a new Aviation Bill announced in the King’s Speech in May and now going through its second reading stage in Parliament.

 

New powers will allow the CAA to take swifter, stronger action when airlines or airports are identified for not meeting their obligations, such as providing correct information regarding flight disruptions or providing an accessible service for disabled passengers, according to the Department for Transport.

 

The government said it is clear that when passengers are let down, airlines and airports “must be held to account”.

 

Transport secretary Keir Mather will also be handed new powers to reform rules around aircraft take-off and landing slots, paving the way for a wider review of the current system later this year.

 

The changes are “critical” to accommodate growing passenger numbers and reduce avoidable delays as UK airspace approaches 70 years since its original design, the DoT noted.

 

The Aviation Bill supports the modernisation of UK airspace via the newly-established established UK Airspace Design Service (UK ADS), which will be backed by new powers for government to deliver redesigned flight paths alongside industry. 

 

The new routes will be designed to slash delays for holidaymakers by creating faster, more efficient routes into airports.

 

This will mean quicker, more straightforward approaches into airports including Heathrow and Gatwick, driving down average noise emissions per flight and improving air quality for local communities, the DoT claimed.

 

Without the overhaul, passengers could face delays increasing by 200% by 2040, which is why UK ADS has already begun redrawing London routes, with changes planned for the mid-2030s, the transport department added.

 

The CAA will also be able to make faster, more efficient aviation safety rules by removing unnecessary red-tape, making it easier for industry to react to international developments and emerging risks.

 

Mather said: “Our new laws will modernise UK aviation, supporting the redesign of our airspace for faster, more efficient flights, whilst enhancing aviation safety standards and delivering greater passenger protections.

 

“We’re proud of the strong, reliable experience our sector delivers day-in day-out for passengers, and we are clear that no one should be let down when they travel.

 

“That’s why we are giving the CAA new enforcement powers, including the ability to issue fines on the rare occasion airlines and airports don’t meet passenger rights obligations.”

 

CAA chair Sir Stephen Hillier said: “The ability to make technical safety rules would mean we can more quickly keep the UK aligned with international standards, improve proportionality of those rules that already exist and better enable the growth of emerging sectors. In turn this would support safety, growth and innovation in the sector. 

 

“A wider set of consumer rights enforcement powers would also mean we are better able to give consumers confidence in the sector if their rights are systematically not met. 

 

“Alongside the new powers to act, we welcome the new mechanisms to allow Parliament and government to hold us to account for their use. 

 

“We are already enhancing our processes and governance mechanisms to make sure we can use any new powers as effectively as possible. Deeper sector engagement will be an essential part of this new framework.”

 

Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade said: "Air traveller satisfaction is at record highs, proof that airline competition and the UK’s dynamic aviation market works.

 

“We welcome legislation that helps regulators keep pace with our growing sector - particularly on driving vital airspace modernisation and safety. 

 

“But new rules must strike the right balance and deliver real consumer benefits; unnecessary burdens help no one. We look forward to shaping this legislation with government as it progresses through Parliament.”

 

Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, added: "Aviation is a UK success story and we look forward to working with the government on this bill, particularly the provisions that will deliver faster, more resilient airspace, enabling this success to continue.

 

"This will allow planes to fly better, more fuel efficient routes and reduce the environmental impacts on local communities that live in and around airports."