Across the UK, airspace modernisation is being delivered through a range of projects, from major regional redesigns to targeted improvements across the wider network. Modernising airspace is a national effort, but not every project has the same lead organisation or follows the same timetable.

UKADS is focussed on developing a coordinated design for the London TMA region. Through UKACS, NATS also supports coordination between interdependent airspace change proposals elsewhere in the UK.

London Luton arrivals

Changes introduced around London Luton Airport in 2022 simplified how arriving aircraft are managed.

The project introduced new routes and a dedicated holding area for Luton arrivals, helping separate traffic from nearby Stansted Airport and improving the predictability and efficiency of operations.

West Airspace Deployment

The West Airspace Deployment modernised a large area of airspace over the west of England and Wales in 2023.

It combined a redesigned route structure at lower levels with Free Route Airspace above, helping simplify traffic flows and enabling aircraft to fly more efficient routes.

Manchester TMA

The Manchester TMA programme will modernise airspace across a large part of northern England.

NATS is working with Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds Bradford and East Midlands airports to coordinate changes to the wider network and the arrival and departure routes serving the region.

West Connectivity

West Connectivity builds on the airspace modernisation already delivered across the west of England and Wales.

The next phase focuses on airspace serving Bristol Airport and how its arrival and departure routes connect with the wider UK network, creating a more joined-up approach across the region.