Major UK airspace overhaul expected to reduce flight delays and pollution

The UK’s airspace is set for its biggest overhaul since its formation in the 1950s, with improvements expected to reduce flight delays, cut pollution and help open up more capacity.

According to the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT), improvements to the way the country’s airspace is managed will also deliver quicker flights, reduce the impact of noise on those living near airports, and help pave the way for new technologies such as flying taxis and drones.

The newly created UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) will be run by NATS (formerly known as National Air Traffic Services) and will initially focus on London’s airspace, with the DfT working with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to “ensure the swift delivery of these new and improved routes”.

“Redesigned ‘skyways’ will turbocharge growth in the aviation industry, not least by boosting airport expansion plans and supporting job creation, driving millions into the UK economy,” said UK aviation minister Mike Kane. “Modernising our airspace is also one of the simplest ways to help reduce pollution from flying and will set the industry up for a long-term, sustainable future.”

NATS CEO Martin Rolfe said the UK handles a quarter of Europe’s air traffic, despite only having 11 per cent of its airspace, “with one of the best safety and delay records anywhere.”

“The UK’s airspace network is one of the busiest and most complex in the world,” said Rolfe. “However, we have to modernise airspace if we are to maintain this level of performance as traffic grows towards three million flights per year.”

Airport and airline organisations welcomed the development. “Modernising UK airspace is long overdue and these changes will help to speed up a programme that will provide tangible reforms, from a reduction in delays, improved resilience and lower carbon emissions,” said Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK.

“This is a major priority for airlines and we look forward to working with ministers and all parts of UK aviation to complete a once in a generation infrastructure programme as quickly as possible.”