The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has set out detailed plans to modernise Britain’s airspace in an effort to reduce delays and noise pollution, as well as cut carbon emissions.

Dubbed the “biggest shake-up to airspace design in 70 years”, the changes are designed to fulfil commitments made by Labour in its manifesto.

The CAA has a launched a consultation on proposals to establish a UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS), which will be formed from a team of aviation experts who will work with domestic airports to improve the way planes operate in UK airspace. The body will initially focus on London, which has the most congested airspace in the country.

The aviation sector took a massive hit during the pandemic due to the widespread shutdown of air travel and huge reductions in demand from passengers. However, according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the first quarter of 2024 saw passenger air traffic levels finally eclipse pre-pandemic numbers – they were an average of 2...