The CAA says it is cutting regulatory burdens holding the process back, with tweaks to its Airspace Change Process set to take effect on 1 October. In effect, the requirements to make lower-impact airspace changes will be "streamlined" by "reducing red tape".

The CAA claims the changes, which form part of a national process of airspace modernisation, will have an "immediate effect" on proposed airspace changes in the London area.

According to the CAA, from 1 October, the new framework will support "a more efficient and adaptable airspace system", ultimately helping reduce flight delays caused by capacity constraints.

Last week, Heathrow boss Thomas Woldbye claimed more than 40 airlines were "queuing" to get into the airport or expand their operations there but couldn't due to a shortage of available slots.

The CAA also stressed airspace modernisation would, in future, be more closely aligned with local planning processes, adding communities affected by airspace change will continue to be consulted.

Giancarlo Buono, the CAA's Director of Safety and Airspace Regulation, said UK airspace "must continue to evolve to support a changing aviation sector", stressing the new processes will provide "a simpler and more proportionate framework" for making changes.