The governments new Civil Aviation Bill claims to support airspace modernisation and enhance safety standards for passengers across the UK.
The bill will provide air passengers with stronger protection of rights regarding cancellations, delays and passenger support, as well as speedier travel. It will also support the modernisation of UK airspace, enhance safety standards and give the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) new enforcement powers, including the ability to fine any airlines and airports that fail to deliver for passengers. These powers will remove unnecessary red tape, making it easier for the industry to react to international developments and emerging risks.
Among the many changes, it means airlines and airports must properly compensate cancelled flights, assist disabled people to travel freely and support flyers through disruption.
Keir Mather, the Uk’s Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, said that these new laws will hold airlines and airports accountable, enhance aviation safety standards, and improve passengers experiences.
The recently established UK Airspace Design Service (UK ADS) will be backed by new powers for government to deliver redesigned flight paths alongside industry. These new routes will reduce delays for holidaymakers by creating more efficient routes into airports.
The Transport Secretary will also be given new powers to reform rules around aircraft take-off and landing slots, paving the way for a wider review of the current system later this year to ensure it is fit for a modern, growing aviation sector.
Without this reform, it is believed that passengers could face delays increasing by 200% by 2040, which is why the UK ADS has already begun redrawing London routes, with changes planned for the mid-2030s. These changes will mean more efficient and simple arrivals into airports, a decrease in average noise emissions per flight, and improved air quality for local communities.