Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what environmental duties will be placed on the UK Airspace Design Service.

The UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) must follow the processes for airspace change, including environmental requirements, set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in line with the Government’s Air Navigation Directions and Air Navigation Guidance.

Any airspace change proposal must follow the CAA’s CAP1616 airspace change process. CAP1616 sets out how sponsors of airspace change, including the UKADS, must undertake comprehensive environmental assessments for airspace options which are under consideration. There are also requirements for airspace change sponsors to provide sufficient information and carry out consultation with those who may be affected by a change, before any final proposals are submitted.

A consultation on potential changes to the Air Navigation Directions and Air Navigation Guidance closed on 26 January 2026 and the outcome will be published later this year.