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Publication of the response to the consultation on plans for a UK Airspace Design Service, delivered by NATS (En Route) plc (NERL)

02 June 2025

Proposing MP
Mike Kane Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Transport
View on Parliament.uk -->

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority are publishing their response to the consultation on establishing a UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) to modernise UK airspace.

Action Requested

The government is proceeding with the creation of the UKADS, led by NATS (En Route) plc (NERL), to be operational by the end of 2025. Two Statutory Instruments will be laid to enable NERL's tasking, and a new charge will fund an Airspace Design Support Fund.

Key Facts

  • UK airspace design remains largely unchanged since the 1950s.
  • There were around 200,000 flights per year in UK airspace in the 1950s compared to 2.47 million in 2024.
  • By 2040, one in five flights could experience disruption and delays without modernisation.
  • NATS (En Route) plc (NERL) will provide the UKADS.
  • The Airspace Design Support Fund was announced by the Chancellor on 17 March 2025.
  • Two Statutory Instruments will be laid using powers in the Transport Act 2000 to task NERL with delivering the UKADS.
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