CAA starts consultation into UK airspace reforms 

A consultation on reforms to the UK’s airspace as part of a wider modernisation scheme has been instigated buy the Civil Aviation Authority. 

 

The consultation outlines proposals “to streamline and improve the timeliness of how airspace proposals are developed and decisions are made, while ensuring the process remains transparent and evidence-based,” the aviation regulator said. 

 

Modernised airspace designs will improve the overall capacity of the infrastructure to safely deliver airport capacity limits established in planning decisions, strengthen the resilience of aviation operations, whilst taking account of the government’s environmental objectives, the CAA noted.  

 

“In time modernisation will facilitate safe integration of new and innovative types of aircraft with other airspace users,” the authority added.

 

The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing December 18.

 

UK airspace modernisation is described as a cornerstone of the UK’s transport strategy. 

 

The CAA is working with the Department for Transport “to ensure reforms to our processes align with our commitments to proportionate and effective regulation”.

 

CAA chief executive Rob Bishton said: “Airspace is one of the UK’s most important pieces of national infrastructure. 

 

“If we want our aviation system to grow in line with planning system decisions, be resilient, compete internationally, and adapt to new technologies, the way we manage and modernise that airspace must also evolve.  

 

“This consultation sets out reforms that will make the system simpler and more proportionate, while retaining the key evidence and transparent approach. 

 

“It is a critical step towards delivering the airspace modernisation the UK needs.”  

 

Meanwhile, the CAA published an update on its approach to the recovery of early planning costs related to the proposed expansion of Heathrow.

 

The regulator said “it is minded” to allow the recovery of early planning costs in 2025 and the first half of 2026 by the airport.

 

“The CAA is also minded to allow early planning costs for other scheme promoters - provided their proposals are credible and appropriately mature. 

 

“This would be subject to appropriate safeguards and incentives to ensure consumers are protected from inefficient or unnecessary costs,” the authority added.

 

“This approach is intended to support the timely, efficient, and effective expansion of capacity at Heathrow, in line with the government’s timetable.”

 

The regulator expects to publish a further update on its approach to the recovery of early planning and enabling works costs in November.