Consultation on the airspace change process

Overview

We are modernising the way we do airspace design in the UK to ensure we can deliver the changes necessary to modernise airspace efficiently and effectively, with the establishment of the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS).

As such, we need to review our airspace change process again to ensure it enables the UKADS provider to deliver airspace changes. This also presents an opportunity to review the broader CAP 1616 airspace change process with a view to further streamline it.

As part of the CAA’s response to Government to further improve UK economic growth and investment, we committed to consulting on improvements to the effectiveness and proportionality of our process for changing airspace in 2025. This review allows us to reflect on feedback and operational experience since the implementation of CAP 1616 edition 5, identifying areas for further improvement and increased proportionality.

This document is a formal consultation setting out our proposals to modify the airspace change process: 

> Consultation on the airspace change process

We are asking consultees to respond online, which will enable us to analyse your responses effectively.

Why your views matter

The airspace change process can have an impact on a wide range of stakeholders. We welcome responses from everyone, including members of the public. All feedback will be considered and may lead to changes to the proposals contained within this consultation.