2 June 2025
The long and difficult-to-follow process of modernising the UK’s airspace appears to be coming out of the ‘talking about it’ phase into a ‘taking action’ phase… we think.
Just announced by the CAA is a ‘step change’ with a new UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) backed by a new Airspace Design Support Fund.
“Today (Monday, 2 June 2025), the Department for Transport (DfT) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have published a Consultation Response Document (CAP 3106) providing greater detail on these plans to mobilise the UKADS by the end of 2025,” says the CAA statement.
“As the only organisation in the UK with the required level of resources and design expertise to deliver the UKADS to the timescales that modernisation requires, NATS (En Route) plc (NERL) will be tasked with setting up the UKADS through its air traffic services licence.” continues the CAA.
“Critically, this approach will improve the delivery and funding of airspace modernisation across the UK, facilitating the progress of airspace modernisation outside London. The charge will be primarily paid by commercial airlines in line with the ‘user pays’ principle, aligning costs with benefits.
“By September 2025, the CAA and DfT expect to consult on a package of changes that will make the process for airspace design decisions more proportionate, while retaining the important principles of a transparent, evidence-based airspace change process that will involve impacted stakeholders.
“The UKADS will still be required, as is the case now for airspace change sponsors, to take proposed airspace designs through the CAP 1616 process, including requirements to engage with local communities and factor in environmental considerations.”
The CAA has created a webpage for the UKADS which will summarise the latest developments and links to relevant documents.
