About Airspace Change

The CAA assign a ‘level’ to permanent airspace change proposals according to their potential impact. This ensures that the more significant proposals receive the right amount of regulatory scrutiny, while keeping the airspace change process proportionate for less significant proposals.

Permanent changes to notified airspace design are assigned one of the levels below.

Level 1

A change to the notified airspace design that has the potential for a high impact on aviation and/or non-aviation stakeholders. We would expect changes that have the potential to alter flight behaviours below 7,000 feet (above mean sea level) over land to fall within this level.

Level 2

A change to the notified airspace design that has the potential for a medium impact on aviation and/or non-aviation stakeholders. We would expect changes that have the potential to:

• alter flight behaviours above 7,000 feet (above mean sea level) or
• alter flight behaviours below 7,000 feet (above mean sea level) over sea and
• not alter flight behaviours below 7,000 feet (above mean sea level) over land to fall within this level.

Level 3

A change to the notified airspace design that has the potential for a low impact on both aviation and non-aviation stakeholders. Some airspace change proposals have already been identified as Level 3 and are listed in CAP 1616h, Guidance on Airspace Change Process for Level 3 and Pre-Scaled Airspace Change Proposals. However, a change sponsor may explain why they consider a proposed change not on that list is a Level 3 change, with a suitable supporting argument, for consideration by the CAA.

The airspace change process for permanent changes to the notified airspace design is summarised below.

In line with the Air Navigation Directions 2023, the CAA has a duty to develop a proportionate airspace change process with the aim of ensuring the expeditious assessment of airspace change proposals. To support this, the airspace change process uses distinct stages where the requirements of each stage will be applied dependent upon the nature of the airspace change proposal and its potential impacts.

The airspace change process requirements for Level 1 and 2 permanent airspace change proposals are described below. Level 3 permanent airspace change proposals have a set of minimum requirements which are detailed in CAP 1616h, Guidance on Airspace Change Process for Level 3 and Pre-Scaled Airspace Change Proposals. These minimum requirements may be supplemented with the requirements for Level 1 and 2 at the discretion of the CAA depending on the nature of the Level 3 airspace change proposal – we will confirm our expectations with the change sponsor following the assessment meeting. Further detail is provided in CAP 1616f, Guidance on Airspace Change Process for Permanent Airspace Change Proposals and CAP 1616h, Guidance on Airspace Change Process for Level 3 and Pre-Scaled Airspace Change Proposals, which provide detailed guidance on the requirements for each stage of the airspace change process. Specific environmental assessment requirements and guidance are provided in CAP1616i, Environmental Assessment Requirements and Guidance for Airspace Change Proposals.

Stage 1 DEFINE

Stage 1 is where the change sponsor defines their requirement for a proposed change to airspace design, setting out the objectives, issues or opportunities associated with the airspace change within a statement of need. An assessment meeting will then determine whether the airspace change process is the appropriate mechanism for the change. Following the assessment meeting, the change sponsor will agree a timeline for the proposal with the CAA, describe the current-day scenario and develop design principles.

The change sponsor will share the current-day scenario and proposed design principles with relevant stakeholders so they can comment accordingly, and take those comments into account. The change sponsor must explain the criteria which will inform and influence the development of design options, clearly setting out competing priorities and choice of design principles. Following engagement with stakeholders, the change sponsor must demonstrate what they have heard and how this feedback has, or has not, informed the content of the current-day scenario and development of the design principles.

Define Gateway

The change sponsor must submit the required outputs to the CAA for assessment at the ‘define’ gateway and publish them on the airspace change portal. At this point, the CAA will complete a regulatory assessment of the change sponsor’s outputs and relevant supporting evidence to determine whether the airspace change process requirements have been followed.

Stage 2 DEVELOP & ASSESS

Stage 2 is where the change sponsor develops design options for the airspace change proposal that address the statement of need and align with the design principles from Stage 1. The change sponsor must also develop the baseline scenarios. Following this, the change sponsor engages with stakeholders on the baseline scenarios and design options, prior to conducting a design principle evaluation. The change sponsor then carries out an initial options appraisal of the different design options, which the change sponsor will later refine. This is the first of three options appraisals developed during the process.

Develop & Assess Gateway

The change sponsor must submit the required outputs to the CAA for assessment at the ‘develop and assess’ gateway and publish them on the airspace change portal. At this point, the CAA will complete a regulatory assessment of the change sponsor’s outputs and relevant supporting evidence to determine whether the airspace change process requirements have been followed.

Stage 3 CONSULT/ENGAGE

During the ‘consult/engage’ stage, the change sponsor provides a more quantitative assessment of the design options in the full options appraisal. It then prepares and, once it has passed the ‘consult/engage’ gateway which occurs in the middle of Stage 3, launches its consultation. This is the key stage of the airspace change process for change sponsors to seek feedback that will help them understand stakeholders’ views about the impacts of their airspace change proposal. Whether this requires a full consultation or a scaled form of consultation - engagement - will depend on the scale and impacts of the airspace change proposal.

Following the consultation, the change sponsor must collate and review consultation responses. Stage 3 is completed with the publication of the change sponsor’s consultation response document on the airspace change portal.

Consult/Engage Gateway

The ‘consult/engage’ gateway occurs in the middle of Stage 3. The change sponsor must submit the required outputs to the CAA for assessment. At this point, the CAA will complete a regulatory assessment on the change sponsor’s outputs and relevant supporting evidence to determine whether the airspace change process requirements have been followed. The CAA will review and, where appropriate, approve that the consultation strategy meets the requirements of Stage 3. The CAA will also review a sample of the change sponsor’s consultation materials, and the full options appraisal, and provide feedback where appropriate. Once the change sponsor has passed through the Stage 3 ‘consult/engage’ gateway, they will commence consultation.

Stage 4 UPDATE & SUBMIT

Stage 4 enables the change sponsor to make any final adjustments to the airspace design ahead of submitting the final airspace change proposal to the CAA. Change sponsors should select a final design option and consider any updates in light of information received in the consultation or engagement, complete the final options appraisal, assess the need for additional consultation or engagement, and submit their final airspace change proposal to the CAA.

Stage 4 is completed with the submission of the full and unredacted version of the final airspace change proposal to the CAA, including any supplementary documents, annexes or appendices, along with publication (redacted where appropriate) on the airspace change portal.

Stage 5 DECIDE

Stage 5 is where the CAA reviews and assesses the final airspace change proposal. The CAA may need to request supplementary information or technical corrections and clarifications from change sponsors.  The CAA may convene a public evidence session and/or publish a draft decision for Level 1 proposals, when it is proportionate to do so.

The CAA then decides on whether or not to approve the final airspace change proposal. The CAA’s decision may be subject to modifications to, and conditions on, the final airspace change proposal as the CAA considers necessary. These modifications and/or conditions will need to be fulfilled by the change sponsor either before, or after, implementation. Alternatively, the Secretary of State may ‘call-in’ the proposal and make the decision, and the CAA will instead give the Secretary of State a ‘minded to’ decision.

Stage 6 IMPLEMENT

Stage 6 is where the approved final airspace change proposal is implemented. The change sponsor must fulfil any conditions or modifications set out in the regulatory decision, finalise and submit aeronautical data to the CAA for validation and update all relevant documentation where needed.

Stage 7 Post Implementation Review

Stage 7 is where the post implementation review analyses the impacts of the implemented airspace change in order to allow the CAA to determine if it has, or has not, produced the intended outcomes. The post implementation review is not a review of the decision that was made on the final airspace change proposal, and neither is it a re-run of the decision-making process.

Should a change sponsor believe that they have identified a change in airspace design that will not alter air flight behaviours but is unsure whether they are able to submit an aeronautical information publication change request directly to the UK Aeronautical Information Service, they should approach the CAA so that an assessment can be made. Examples of when a change sponsor should approach the CAA include:

• seeking confirmation from the CAA that a change to airspace design will not alter flight behaviours:
  • considering the relocation of a navigational aid which is refenced by a flight procedure, where the change sponsor has demonstrated the new location of the navigation aid will not impact the airspace design.
• checking with the CAA that a change to airspace design will not have unintended impacts that have the potential to alter flight behaviours:
  • considering the movement of an aerodrome reference point. In this instance the aerodrome reference point may be directly referenced by other elements of airspace design that may need to be considered before the change can be approved
  • considering a request to amend an activity descriptor within a danger area. In this instance this can require consideration of wider policy requirements that have the potential to impact the design of surrounding airspace.

In any such case, the change sponsor should submit a DAP1916 – statement of need to provide a brief description of the proposed change. The CAA will review the statement of need and will use this information to assess the proposal and advise the change sponsor accordingly.

If the CAA accepts that the change to airspace design will not alter flight behaviours we will provide a ‘change request authority’ to the change sponsor confirming that they can submit a change request authority directly to the UK Aeronautical Information Service. While there will be no requirement for the proposal to progress through the airspace change process, the statement of need and the change request authority will be published on the airspace change portal.

If the CAA determines that the change to airspace design has the potential to alter flight behaviours, the change sponsor will be required to follow the airspace change process outlined above.

Specific events or operating conditions may sometimes require a temporary change to the notified airspace design.  A temporary change will usually apply for a period no longer than 90 consecutive days, after which the airspace will revert back to its original form. Should a change be required for longer than 90 days, or should we receive a request to repeat a temporary change that has previously been in effect for 90 days, a permanent airspace change proposal will normally be needed. 

An airspace trial is defined as changes to airspace design, or air traffic control operational procedures (which if subsequently made permanent would constitute a relevant planned and permanent redistribution of air traffic), of a temporary nature for the purposes of:   

• investigating the feasibility of, or validating proposals for, innovative airspace design, technology or air traffic control operational procedures 
• assessing its performance and effect 
• supporting the development and integration of new airspace user groups into UK airspace.  

An airspace trial may result in the establishment of a temporary airspace structure (such as temporary special use airspace). However, the distinction from a temporary airspace change should be noted. An airspace trial is where innovative airspace design, technologies or procedures are being trialled. A temporary airspace change is used to meet a specific event or operating conditions for a short period. 

The duration of an airspace trial can vary and is for a fixed period as the CAA considers appropriate, which is normally not more than six months. 

The airspace change process for temporary changes to the notified airspace design and airspace trials is summarised below. There are no gateway assessments for temporary or trial airspace change proposals. 

Stage 1 - Define 

The first stage of the temporary and trial airspace change process, the ‘define’ stage, is where the change sponsor submits a statement of need setting out the objectives of their airspace change proposal and the airspace issues or opportunities that it seeks to address. An assessment meeting to discuss the statement of need takes place and, subject to the CAA accepting that the airspace change process is the appropriate mechanism to achieve the objectives of the temporary or trial airspace change proposal and address the airspace issues or opportunities, the change sponsor will go on to the remaining stages of the airspace change process. 

Stage 2 – Develop and Assess 

For temporary and trial airspace change proposals, the requirements for Stage 2 will depend on the nature of the airspace change proposal. The size, complexity and duration of the proposal will be taken into consideration when scaling the requirements of this stage and will be discussed at the assessment meeting.  

The change sponsor must develop at least one design option and conduct impact assessments for the airspace change proposal. There is no requirement for the change sponsor to conduct the full options development process, design principle evaluation or initial options appraisal. 

Stage 3 – Engage 

Stage 3 is where the change sponsor gathers information from stakeholders to understand whether the temporary or trial airspace change proposal will be safe and operationally viable. For temporary and trial airspace change proposals, a scaled form of consultation – engagement – is appropriate at Stage 3. 

After developing engagement material, the change sponsor launches their engagement activities. The change sponsor’s explanation of the issues raised during engagement, and its response to the identified issues, must be included as part of the final airspace change proposal submission in Stage 4. The CAA will assess the effectiveness of the change sponsor’s engagement at Stage 5. 

Stage 4 - Update and Submit 

Stage 4 is where the change sponsor considers the need to update the final design option and its impacts in light of information received during the engagement period. The change sponsor also assesses the need for additional engagement, and makes any final adjustments to the airspace design. Stage 4 is completed with the submission of the full and unredacted version of the final airspace change proposal to the CAA, including any supplementary documents, annexes or appendices, along with publication (redacted where appropriate) on the airspace change portal. 

Stage 5 - Decision 

 Stage 5 is where the CAA reviews and assesses the final airspace change proposal. The CAA may need to request supplementary information or technical corrections and clarifications from change sponsors. 

The CAA then decides on whether or not to approve the final airspace change proposal. The CAA’s decision may be subject to modifications to, and conditions on, the final airspace change proposal as the CAA considers necessary. These modifications and/or conditions will need to be fulfilled by the change sponsor either before, or after, implementation. 

Stage 6 - Implement 

Having completed the ‘decide’ stage, the change sponsor moves on to the ‘implement’ stage. This is where the change sponsor engages with the CAA and UK Aeronautical Information Service to implement the temporary or trial airspace change using the most appropriate method. Once implemented, the change sponsor will monitor the impacts of the airspace change by collating and reviewing feedback from stakeholders.      

Stage 7 – Post Trial Report (airspace trials only) 

There is no post implementation review required for temporary or trial airspace changes. However, for airspace trials, the change sponsor is required to produce a post-trial report and publish it on the airspace change portal.

As a minimum the change sponsor must report against the aims and objectives of the trial as detailed in the final airspace change proposal, including whether they were successfully achieved and report on any engagement conducted during the trial and the content of any feedback or complaints. The change sponsor must publish the post-trial report on the airspace change portal and provide a copy to the CAA for review.

The airspace change process for a permanent PPR is summarised below.

Stage 1 DEFINE

Step 1a - Assess Requirements

During the Assess Requirement Step, the change sponsor uses an internal trigger process to identify if a proposed change to its air traffic control operational procedures is considered a relevant PPR. It then prepares a Statement of Need setting out what issue or opportunity it is seeking to address, including the rationale that it meets the relevant PPR criteria. Having reviewed the Statement of Need, the CAA meets with the change sponsor to agree whether the proposal is a relevant PPR, and to have an initial discussion about the appropriate Type and scale of the process.

Stage 2 DEVELOP & ASSESS

Step 2a – Options Development

During the Options Development Step, the change sponsor develops one or more design options that address the Statement of Need.

Step 2b - Options Appraisal

During the Options Appraisal Step, the change sponsor appraises each option to understand the impact, both positive and negative, including a qualitative assessment of the potential safety implications.

Stage 3 CONSULT

Step 3a - Consultation Preparation

During the Consultation Preparation Step, the sponsor plans its stakeholder consultation and associated engagement, and prepares consultation documents, including the second-phase Full options appraisal with more rigorous evidence for its chosen option(s).

Step 3b - Consultation Approval

During the Consultation Approval Step, the CAA reviews and where appropriate approves the consultation strategy.

Assess & Consult Gateway

At the Assess and Consult Gateway the CAA reviews and signs-off the documentation relating to Stages 1 and 2.

Step 3c - Commence Consultation

At the Commence Consultation Step, the change sponsor implements its consultation strategy and launches the consultation.

Step 3d - Collate & Review Responses

During the Collate & Review Responses Step, consultation responses are collated, reviewed and categorised.

Stage 4 UPDATE & SUBMIT

Step 4a - Update Proposal

During the Update Proposal Step the change sponsor considers the consultation responses, identifies any changes to the PPR proposal as a result of that feedback, and updates the options appraisal to take account of any revised impacts of those amendments, submitting these to the CAA for review.

Step 4b - Submit Proposal to CAA

During the Submit PPR Proposal Step the change sponsor prepares the formal proposal using a standard format drawing from the earlier outputs in the process. The air navigation service provider then submits its PPR proposal to the CAA.

Stage 5 DECIDE

Step 5a - CAA Assessment

During the CAA Assessment Step, the CAA reviews and assesses the PPR proposal. The CAA may request minor changes to the proposal.  The CAA prepares assessment papers to inform and provide guidance to the airspace change decision-maker.

Step 5b - CAA Decision

During the CAA Decision Step the CAA decides whether to approve or reject the PPR proposal.

Decide Gateway

At the Decide Gateway, the CAA reviews and signs-off the documentation relating to Stage 5.

Stage 6 IMPLEMENT

During the Implement Step, the change sponsor implements the approved change.

Stage 7 Post Implementation Review

At the Post-Implementation Review Step, the change sponsor reviews how the change has performed, including whether anticipated impacts and benefits in the original proposal and decision have been delivered.

Specific events or operating conditions may sometimes require a temporary change to written air traffic control operating procedures. Temporary changes to airspace design are defined in the Government’s Air Navigation Guidance and Directions to the CAA as lasting not more than 90 days, other than in extraordinary circumstances.  The airspace change process for a temporary PPR is summarised below.

Stage 1 – Define

Stage 1 – Assess Requirements

During the Assess Requirement Step, the change sponsor uses an internal trigger process to identify if a proposed change to its air traffic control operational procedures is considered as a relevant PPR. It then prepares a Statement of Need setting out what issue or opportunity it is seeking to address, including the rationale that it meets the relevant criteria. Having reviewed the Statement of Need, the CAA meets with the change sponsor to agree whether the proposal is a relevant PPR, and to have an initial discussion about the appropriate Type and scale of the process.

Stage 4 – Submit Proposal to CAA

Stage 4 – Update Proposal  and Submit Proposal to CAA 

During the Update Proposal and Submit PPR Proposal to CAA Step, the change sponsor considers stakeholder feedback, identifies any consequent design changes, and formally submits the PPR proposal to the CAA.

Stage 5 – Decide

Step 5 – CAA Assessment and Decision

During the CAA Assessment and Decision Step, the CAA reviews and assesses the airspace change proposal. The CAA may request minor changes to the proposal. The CAA prepares assessment papers to inform and provide guidance to the airspace change decision-maker. The CAA then decides whether to approve or reject the airspace change proposal.

Decide gateway

At the Decide Gateway, the CAA reviews and signs-off the documentation relating to Stage 5.

Stage 6 IMPLEMENT

Step 6a: Implement

During the Implement Step, the change sponsor implements the approved change.

Step 6b: Implement (Extension)

At Step 6b, the change sponsor may request an extension, which will be considered by the CAA.