The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has updated its Airspace Change Process following new government policy. The authority aims to “reduce red tape” and speed up the process of integrating new airspace users such as drones.
CAA’s updated Air Navigation Directions and Air Navigation Guidance will come into effect on 1 October 2026. Under a revised CAP 1616 framework, which also comes into effect on 1 October, CAA proposes a “more agile and responsive airspace system” by introducing a streamlined process for short-term activities.
The new CAP 161 states: “Temporary airspace changes are by their nature short-term and are often to test new processes and procedures in order to provide an evidence base to support future policy development or air traffic management arrangements. It may therefore not be appropriate to apply the airspace design priorities for situations where new and innovative procedures are being trialled or tested.”
The reforms also strengthen alignment between the airspace change process and wider planning frameworks.
“Following recent changes to Government policy, the UK’s airspace must continue to evolve to support a changing aviation sector, from modernising existing operations to accommodating new technologies and users,” said Giancarlo Buono, Director of Safety and Airspace Regulation at CAA. “The revised CAP 1616 process provides a simpler and more proportionate framework for making these changes. By tailoring requirements to the scale and impact of proposals, we can reduce unnecessary burdens and help organisations make progress, whilst keeping a consistent focus on safety, evidence and impact.”
CAA says the revisions will provide greater clarity for industry and will enable airspace change proposals to be dealt with more efficiently, aligning with planning decisions. Public consultation will remain a part of the process.
Last September, CAA launched a consultation on CAP1616, highlighting a proportionate approach to enabling BVLOS flights in the UK.
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Image: A drone transports medical supplies in London as part of a trial (Apian)