The Government has announced plans for redesigned UK flight paths under new laws to be set out in Parliament today. 

Redesigned ‘skyways’ could allow planes to climb quicker during take off and descend more smoothly, reducing noise and air pollution for residents who live along flight routes.  The plans aim to reduce the aviation impact of climate change with more direct and efficient routes. 

The changes will see the largest redesign of UK airspace since it was first formed in the 1950s when there were only 200,000 flights per year compared to 2.7 million last year.  The initial focus will be on redesigning London’s airspace including any change required for a third runway at Heathrow. 

Alison FitgGerald, Chief Executive Officer of London City Airport said “London and the South East has some of the most complex airspace in the world and this announcement will help create the conditions of a more modern, efficient and sustainable airspace system”. 

The new UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) will be fully operational by the end of this year and will be run by NATS (En Route) plc (NERL).