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.
This includes providing correct and timely information in the event of disruption, and better accessibility services for disabled travellers. "The government is clear that when passengers are let down, airlines and airports must be held to account," said the Department for Transport (DfT).
The new UK Airspace Design Service will look at the UK's nearly 70-year airspace design with a view to accommodating more passengers and reducing delays.
"Without this reform, passengers could face delays increasing by 200% by 2040," the DfT claims. Work to redraw London routes is already under way, with changes planned by the mid-2030s.
The transport secretary will also get new powers to shake up the rules governing aircraft take-off and landing slots, with a wider review pencilled in for the second half of the year. It is hoped the tweaks will cut delays and reduce queues for aircraft to land, cutting flight times.
Aviation Minister Keir Mather said the measures would result in "faster, more efficient flights", enhance safety standards and firm up passenger protections.
"We are clear that no one should be let down when they travel," he said, adding the CAA would be free to fine airlines and airports when they let passengers down.
The government has placed particular focus on ensuring people with accessibility needs are better supported through periods of disruption.
CAA Chair Sir Stephen Hillier said new powers would work both ways. "A wider set of consumer rights enforcement powers would also mean we are better able to give consumers confidence in the sector if their rights are systematically not met," he stressed, while adding: “Alongside the new powers to act, we welcome the new mechanisms to allow parliament and government to hold us to account for their use."
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said it was important the new rules "struck the right balance" while delivering "real consumer benefits". "Unnecessary burdens help no one."
AirportsUK Chief Executive Karen Dee added airspace reforms would make routes more fuel efficient and "reduce the environmental impacts on local communities that live in and around airports".
