From 1 April 2026, a charge will apply to applications to become a Directed Air Carrier for aviation security purposes. Details of this charge are set out in the 2026/27 CAA Aviation Security Scheme of Charges.
Overview
Air carriers intending to operate non-derogated flights to, from or within the UK must do so in accordance with the requirements of the UK National Aviation Security Programme. To this end they are subject to, and must comply with, directions issued by the Secretary of State for Transport under Part 2 of the Aviation Security Act 1984. Alongside any other permissions and approvals required, the carrier must apply to be served with the relevant security directions in advance of operation.
This page explains how to apply to become a security directed air carrier.
Who needs to Apply?
Air carriers that are not currently in receipt of aviation security directions issued by the Secretary of State for Transport, but who wish to undertake commercial air transport operations in the United Kingdom.
Please note that certain types of flight and/or categories of aircraft (“derogated flights”) are exempt from these requirements. If you are unclear whether your proposed operations are exempt under UK law, please contact the email address below for advice.
Application charge
A one-off fixed charge covers the cost of all administrative activity associated with the processing of the application and any ongoing changes to details in the future.
Our charges are set out in the CAA Aviation Security Scheme of Charges.
How to apply
You will need to:
- Submit the initial application form (SRG1734) and pay the appropriate fee at the same time
- Provide details of the proposed operations (including routes, aircraft types to be used, frequency and proposed commencement date)
- Nominate a contact point, including their role, contact details and authority to handle security sensitive information.
Applications should be submitted no less that one month before the proposed start of operations, and ideally earlier.
Once your initial application form has been received and the fee paid, we will contact you to arrange for the supporting evidence and other information required to be sent to us securely.
For non-UK carriers this will include
- An electronic copy in English of your Air Operator Security Programme (AOSP)
- Confirmation that your AOSP has been submitted to, and where appropriate approved by, the appropriate authority in your State of Operation (home state)
- Evidence showing how you will meet the aviation security requirements of the UK NASP, and any additional requirements set by the relevant UK airport(s), through the measures set out in your AOSP, and/or in the form of Written Supplementary Station Procedures
- Nomination of a security manager responsible for ensuring initial and on-going compliance with UK aviation security requirements for operations in the UK.
For UK carriers (i.e. UK AOC holders) this will include
- An electronic copy of your Air Carrier Security Programme
- Nomination of an Accountable Manager (Security)
On completion of the process the relevant directions will be sent to the nominated responsible security manager or Accountable Manager on behalf of the carrier.
Once directed, you must subsequently tell the CAA about any significant changes to your AOSP, Supplementary Station Procedures or responsible security manager. You must also tell the CAA about any significant changes to your operations in the UK, such as changes in routes or aircraft types, or the cessation of operations.