Edinburgh and Glasgow airports launch consultation on airspace redesign

Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport and NATS have launched consultation on their proposals for Scottish Airspace Modernisation designed to enable smarter, more direct flight paths which in turn will reduce journey times and the environmental impact from flying.

image: NATS

Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport are responsible for the modernisation of their departure and arrival routes below 7,000ft (2100m), and NATS is responsible for connecting these routes into the higher-level airspace network above.

Airspace modernisation is part of a nationwide programme, required by Government policy and the Civil Aviation Authority’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy.

Airspace is made up of a complex route network. Like motorways on the ground, these “routes in the sky” keep airspace users flying safely from point A to point B. However, much of the UK’s airspace was designed in the 1950s, when there were fewer flights and navigation technology was far less sophisticated. Today’s modern aircraft still fly these outdated routes, meaning they often fly further and longer than they need to.

Airspace modernisation harnesses modern technology to make the route network more efficient, so that the airspace – part of the UK’s critical national infrastructure – is fit for today’s needs and ready for the next generation of aviation.

Below 7,000 ft (2100m), changes are proposed to the departure and arrival procedures at both airports, delivering a reduction in emissions per flight and reducing the overall adverse effects of noise for local communities by enabling continuous climb and descent.

From 7,000ft (2100m) to 25,500ft (7650m), NATS is proposing to introduce systemisation – the redesign of airspace into structured flight paths to improve efficiency, streamline the role of air traffic control and increase capacity, including making the airspace more accessible for a range of airspace users.

These changes will integrate with Free Route Airspace, introduced in Scotland in December 2021, which allows airlines to fly their preferred routes above 25,500ft (7650m). This flexibility is a key driver in cutting fuel burn and CO2e emissions.

Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime, and Decarbonisation said, “We are fast-tracking airspace modernisation to deliver more reliable, efficient, and greener flights. It is fantastic to see Scottish airports and NATS reach this important milestone. Airports across the UK will be following in Scotland’s footsteps as we drive forward our plans for a modern aviation sector.”

The proposed changes in Scotland focus on an area of approximately 61,000 km² that handles more than 200,000 flights annually. More direct routing is expected to save 79,000 nautical miles of flying a year, equating to a reduction of 18,000t of CO2e each year.

Lee Boulton, Head of Operations Development at NATS, said, “Above 7,000ft, Scottish airspace is among the busiest in the UK, handling over 40% of UK traffic. With demand expected to rise over the next decade, airspace modernisation will help ensure the network can meet future needs by enabling more direct routes while reducing emissions per flight. We encourage stakeholders to share their views through the consultation, so all voices are heard in shaping the proposals.”

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said, “The modernisation of our skies has been needed for some time, and the proposals we're presenting have been shaped through our engagement and discussion with our local communities and our partners across various industries and sectors. We know this is a complex topic, and the consultation period will allow us to continue that engagement and explain the potential benefits for communities, the airport, and the environment, while maintaining an open dialogue.”

Mark Beveridge, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, said, “Our proposals aim to reduce the total adverse effects of noise from aircraft, improve capacity and minimise delays, and lower emissions per flight through more direct routing.”

To deliver this coordinated change, the Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG) have prepared a single strategic plan called the Airspace Change Masterplan to improve efficiency, capacity and environmental performance of UK airspace.

Mark Swan, Head of ACOG, said, "This consultation marks a significant milestone in the national programme of airspace change, with Scotland at the vanguard of the programme. ACOG has worked closely with Edinburgh, Glasgow, and NATS to integrate their proposals into one vision for modernised airspace, and it’s now important this plan aligns with stakeholder needs. Airspace is critical national infrastructure which drives Scotland and the UK’s economy, by enabling tourism, business, and trade. Upgrades will enhance the efficiency of this infrastructure, to reduce passenger delays, lower emissions per flight, and prepare for potential future growth.”

This consultation closes on 25 January 2026. To find out more about Scottish Airspace Modernisation and submit a response, visit: www.scottishairspacemodernisation.co.uk