Flight path shake-up promises quicker flights and fewer delays

Plans to fast-track the remodelling of the UK’s flight paths could lead to quicker flights and fewer delays for passengers, the government says.

Ministers are set to announce the creation of the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) later which will re-design the routes planes must take over UK airspace – many of which were decided around 70 years ago.

The initial shake-up will focus on modernising the complex airspace in and around London.

Cagne, a community aviation and environment group for Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, has warned the plans could mean there would be new flight paths over houses that are not currently affected.

Ministers say the plans could allow planes to climb quicker during take off and descend more smoothly.

The plans are also aiming at helping reduce aviation’s climate change impacts and pave the way for new technologies like flying taxis.

“Modernising our airspace is also one of the simplest ways to help reduce pollution from flying and will set the industry up for a long-term, sustainable future,” aviation minister, Mike Kane, said.

The changes would allow the largest re-design of UK airspace since it was first formed in the 1950s.