Airspace Modernisation: Draft Guidance for UKADS & UKACS Consultation
Introduction
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is consulting on its draft guidance for two complementary services under its airspace modernisation programme:
The UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS)
The UK Airspace Coordination Service (UKACS)
This guidance is set out in CAP 3158.
The consultation closes at 23:59 on 12 January 2026.
Why This Matters
These services together form the backbone of future UK airspace modernisation: UKADS will drive airspace design, while UKACS will coordinate particularly complex or strategically linked airspace changes.
The draft guidance proposes governance and oversight arrangements, including a new Advisory Board, to ensure accountability and transparency in how these services operate.
It also outlines a strategic delivery plan, stakeholder engagement plan, and the role of the advisory board.
For communities (especially around Heathrow), how UKADS and UKACS are governed and operate could influence future airspace change proposals, engagement, and environmental assessments.
What the CAA Is Consulting On
Key parts of the consultation include:
Draft guidance for UKADS and UKACS, set out in Annex A of CAP 3158, covering:
Strategic delivery plan
Stakeholder engagement plan
Advisory Board and governance structures
Proposed governance and external oversight - how the Advisory Board would function and its role.
Suggested changes to existing DfT / CAA governance architecture to include UKADS / UKACS under the Airspace Modernisation Strategy governance.
Licence-linked obligations: final guidance would be referenced in NERL’s (NATS En Route plc) licence.
The draft also asks for views on Annex B, which proposes changes to existing governance arrangements to better reflect the new services.
Who Should Respond
The consultation is relevant for:
Air navigation service providers (e.g., NERL)
Airports and airspace-change sponsors
Aviation industry organisations (airlines, general aviation)
Local community groups especially those under or near flight paths
Local authorities and planning contacts
Environmental / noise advocacy groups
Residents who may be affected by airspace changes
How to Respond
You can submit your views through:
Online (recommended)
https://consultations.caa.co.uk/policy-development/draft-ukads-ukacs-guidance/For queries email: airspace.modernisation@caa.co.uk
Next Steps
Consultation opened: 17 November 2025
Consultation closes: 12 January 2026 consultations.caa.co.uk
CAA publishes its response and next version of guidance: after analysis of responses
Integration into licence: The final guidance may be referenced in NERL’s air traffic services licence, once approved