Much of the UK’s airspace was designed in the 1950s – a time with slower aircraft that used ground-based beacons. Today’s aircraft are faster, smarter and far more advanced. Modernising the airspace means replacing outdated routes and technologies with modern systems that enhance capacity, reduce fuel burn and enable more direct journeys.

The CAA leads the modernisation strategy, while NATS is responsible for delivering many of the technical and operational changes. We work alongside airlines, airports, the military and other airspace users to ensure that proposed changes meet the requirements of those who use the airspace.

We also work closely with ACOG, an independent change sponsor established by DfT and CAA. ACOG was set up to align individual airspace change proposals and coordinate them across the many change sponsors involved – including NATS – to deliver a cohesive change masterplan.

Airspace modernisation is delivered through a series of coordinated projects across the UK. Each change goes through the CAA’s CAP1616 process – a rigorous, transparent framework that ensures every proposal is assessed, consulted on and justified before it is approved. Read about the process and the seven gates each change goes through here.

In the busy and complex skies over London and the southeast, the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) has been established to coordinate airspace modernisation. Led by NATS and working closely with airports, UKADS will drive the coordination and delivery of modernisation in one of the busiest areas of airspace in the world.

The strategy is being delivered in phases, with some key milestones already delivered. Changes already live include upgrades to airspace in the southwest, Scotland, and to Luton arrivals. Other change projects, including UKADS, are in progress across the UK.