A change to the use or classification of airspace in the UK can take many forms and may be simple and straightforward to implement with little noticeable operational or environmental impact.  Conversely, a change may be complex and involve significant alterations to existing airspace arrangements and impact upon the various airspace user groups and the general public.

Changes to the use or classification of airspace in the UK are managed in accordance with the Airspace Charter (CAP 724) and under the Airspace Change Process. The CAA Guidance on the Application of the Airspace Change Process (CAP 725)  provides the detail on the processes by which changes to the dimensions, classification or use of UK airspace is carried out.  

When considering any airspace change the CAA must:

• Ensure the most efficient use of airspace.
• Satisfy the requirements of all airspace users.
• Take account of the interests of any person in relation to the use of any particular portion of airspace or the use of airspace generally.
• Comply with the Government's policy on sustainable development.
• Comply with the Government's policy on reducing, controlling and mitigating the impacts of civil aviation on the environment.
• Consider the annoyance and disturbance caused to the general public arising from the noises, vibrations and emissions from aircraft engines. 
• Comply with Government policies on the future development of air transport and have due regard for the NATS (En-route) Licence.  

Related Documents

• Summary of the Airspace Change Process
• 2010 Review of the Airspace Change Process - recommendations of which are still being considered.
• Decision Letters - dating back to Jan 2008
• Post Implementation Reviews 

• CAP 724 Airspace Charter
• CAP 725 Airspace Change Process Guidance Document
• CAP 740 UK Airspace Management Policy
• CAP 778 Policy and Guidance for the Design and Operation of Departure Procedures in UK Airspace 
• CAP 785 Approval Requirements for Instrument Flight Procedures for use in UK Airspace 

• Safety Buffer Policy for Airspace Design Purposes – Segregated Airspace
• The Application of ICAO Airspace Classifications in UK Flight Information Regions
• Release of Controlled and Segregated Airspace
• DAP Policy For Transponder Mandatory Zones (TMZs)
• Policy for Route Network Interface with Neighbouring States
• Validation of Instrument Flight Procedures
• Policy For Danger Areas
• Establishment and Dimensions of Aerodrome Traffic Zones (ATZ)

• UK AIP
• ICAO
• Yellow AICs  - Including:
  • 53 (Y138)/04 Airspace Speed Limits
  • 60 (Y243)/07 Instrument Flight Procedures - Process for Requesting Changes or New Designs
  • 002/2010 Military Aerodrome Traffic Zones
  • 078/2010 Release of Controlled and Segregated Airspace (RCSA)
•  Future Airspace Strategy
• CAA (Air Navigation) Directions
• Guidance to the CAA on Envronmental Objectives Relating to the Exercise of its Air Navigation Functions