Policy for the Establishment and Operation of Special Use Airspace

Effective from the 26 February 2024.

This policy details the requirements for the design, approval, notification, activation, management and operation of Special Use Airspace (Prohibited Areas, Restricted Areas, Danger Areas, Temporary Segregated Areas, Temporary Reserved Areas and Cross Border Areas).

The CAA has published a revised version of CAP 1616, Airspace Change Process, which implements the latest government policy set out in the Air Navigation Directions 2026 and the Air Navigation Guidance 2026. These changes come into effect on 1 October 2026 and this publication will be updated in due course to reflect any relevant changes.