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Regulation & Consultation

Regulation & Consultation

Shaped by regulatory framework

Introduction How airspace change works How people have their say Rules and guidance Key contacts

From proposal to decision

Airspace changes move through a structured process designed to ensure proposals are properly developed, assessed and scrutinised.

How airspace change works

The UK’s airspace is a complex network of routes used by thousands of aircraft every day. As aviation evolves, changes may be needed to accommodate new technology, improve efficiency, reduce environmental impacts or make better use of available airspace.

Changing the way airspace is organised is a carefully managed process. Proposals must consider a range of factors including safety, operational requirements, the environment and the potential impact on people and communities.

The CAA oversees airspace change through a formal process known as CAP1616. This sets out how proposals are developed, assessed and, where required, consulted on before a decision is made.

Updated in October 2026, the process follows five main stages, with requirement tailored to the nature, scale and potential impacts of each proposal. NATS, airports and other organisation may develop and sponsor airspace change proposals, but the CAA is responsible for independently deciding whether they can proceed.

Find out more

How can people have their say?

We recognise that change to airspace can affect people and communities on the ground, as well as those who use our skies. Engagement and consultation are important parts of the airspace change process, giving people the opportunity to understand proposed changes, ask questions and share their views.

The CAA’s airspace change process, CAP1616, sets out requirements for engaging and consulting with stakeholders. Depending on the nature of the proposed change, this can include local communities, airports, airlines and other airspace users.

Where public consultation is required, information will be published explaining what’s proposed, the potential impacts and how people can respond. Feedback received is considered as part of the process before decisions are made. You can find details of current and precious airspace consultations below.

Past & present consultations

The rules & guidance behind airspace change

  • UKADS licence

    Full details here

    UKADS operates under a licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

    The licence sets out the service's responsibilities, objectives and governance arrangements, providing the framework within which UKADS delivers airspace design and coordination activities.

    It also ensures appropriate regulatory oversight and accountability as the programme develops.

  • ANG and AND

    Airspace Navigation Guidance (ANG) and Airspace Navigation Directions (AND) provide the policy and regulatory framework that supports airspace modernisation in the UK.

    Updates to the guidance and directions have helped establish the role of the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) and the UK Airspace Change Coordination Service (UKACS), enabling a more coordinated approach to delivering complex airspace changes.

    Together, they set out the responsibilities and expectations of organisations involved in airspace modernisation and support the delivery of the UK Airspace Modernisation Strategy.

  • CAP1616 v6

    CAP1616 is the Civil Aviation Authority's airspace change process, which all permanent changes to UK airspace must follow.

    It sets out a framework for developing, assessing and consulting on airspace change proposals, ensuring stakeholders and local communities have opportunities to engage throughout the process.

    Version 6 came into effect on 1 October 2026 and aligns with the updated Air Navigation Guidance (ANG) and Air Navigation Directions (AND), supporting a more coordinated approach to airspace modernisation and the delivery of programmes such as UKADS.

  • CAA prioritisation

    The Civil Aviation Authority's project prioritisation process helps determine the order in which airspace change proposals move through the regulatory system.

    It focuses on ensuring resources are directed towards projects that best support the objectives of the Airspace Modernisation Strategy, while balancing operational, environmental and strategic considerations across the wider aviation network.

Who to contact

Airline operations

If you want to ask about a specific flight and why it might have been delayed, contact the airline concerned.

Airport operations

If you want to ask about how many aircraft from a given airport are flying over you, contact the airport. If you want to ask about the routes aircraft take over your house at what you think are low levels, that is also a matter for the airport although NATS may also be able to help explain.

Where aircraft fly

If you want to talk about routes above your house, or more generally about the way airspace is structured, contact the CAA.

Changes to flight paths

If you want to ask about a perceived change to a flight path or the way aircraft are flying a particular route, then please contact us at public.enquiries@nats.co.uk.

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