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Airspace reform could prevent three-fold increase in delays by 2040, government claims

Air
James Chapple
3 June 2026

Reforming Britain's airspace could prevent a three-fold increase in delays by 2040, the government has claimed.

An aircraft flies past the Houses of Parliament in London
iStock / nikk12

The government has outlined plans to shake up aviation in the UK over the next 15-20 years

Airspace reform is a key pillar of a wider package of reforms designed to modernise the UK's aviation sector. These include redrawing flight paths, reviewing airport slot rules and strengthening passenger protections.

Outlined last month in a new Civil Aviation Bill, the reforms are undergoing a second reading in parliament. They will give the CA new powers to take stronger enforcement action where and when airlines and airports fail to meet their obligations to passengers.