Protecting Consumers
The CAA works to ensure that risks to consumers are minimised and that passengers are aware of their rights.
The interests of consumers and the public are at the heart of all that we do.
Our responsibilities include the:
- Safety and management of UK airspace
- Economic regulation of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports
- Enforcement of consumer protection rules around issues like cancelled flights
- Management of the ATOL financial protection scheme for holidaymakers, which repatriates and refunds them if their travel firm fails.
Today, the CAA's focus is increasingly on identifying the key risks facing consumers and the wider public. then acting alongside industry to minimise the threat of harm.
We combine rule-making, enforcement action and influencing into a flexible and pro-active approach to ensure that industry is focused on addressing these risks.
The CAA Consumer Panel
The CAA Consumer Panel acts as a “critical friend” to the CAA, providing a consumer perspective on all aspects of the CAA’s work. It provides expert advice to the CAA and helps the CAA to conceive, develop, and manage the delivery of this regulatory approach and to set its priorities in relation to all areas that affect commercial air passengers.
More information on the Panel's work and membership
The Aviation Health Unit
Based at the CAA's Gatwick office, the Aviation Health Unit is responsible for:
- Providing information for health professionals, passengers and aircrew on the health aspects of air travel.
- Advising Government on the health aspects of air travel for passengers and aircrew
- Identifying research needs in aviation health and supporting the delivery of these research needs in accordance with CAA and Government strategy and priorities
