UK aviation regulator proposes airspace modernisation reform

Investing.com -- The UK Civil Aviation Authority launched a consultation Thursday on reforms to the UK’s airspace change process, a key component of the country’s wider airspace modernisation program.

The proposed reforms aim to streamline how airspace proposals are developed and decisions are made, while maintaining transparency and evidence-based approaches.

The regulator is seeking input from various stakeholders during the 12-week consultation period, which ends December 18, 2025.

According to the CAA, the current process, introduced in 2018 and updated in 2023, requires further reform to address areas where it is ineffective or creates disproportionate work.

The changes will also account for the creation of the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS).

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized the importance of airspace as national infrastructure: "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."

The CAA stated that modernized airspace designs will improve overall capacity of this infrastructure to safely deliver airport capacity limits established in planning decisions, strengthen aviation operations resilience, and account for government environmental objectives.

The reforms will eventually facilitate safe integration of new aircraft types with existing airspace users.

The regulator is working with the Department for Transport to ensure the process reforms align with commitments to proportionate and effective regulation.

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