Written questions by Gardiner.

What work her department has taken to ensure overflown communities are represented in the governance structure of the UK Airspace Design Service.

The Government and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) jointly consulted on proposals to establish a UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) in 2024, and responses to that consultation, including from overflown communities, has helped to inform our plans. Between 17 November 2025 and 12 January 2026 the CAA consulted on guidance for the UKADS, including governance and stakeholder engagement. The outcome of this consultation will be published by the CAA.In addition, the CAA’s Airspace Change Process (CAP1616) sets out how airspace change proposals must be developed and delivered. A fundamental part of this process is the requirement for the airspace change sponsor, which would include the UKADS, to consult those who may be affected by airspace change and to consider their views before any final proposals are submitted.

When she expects the UK Airspace Design Service to be fully operational.

The UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) provided by NATS En Route PLC (NERL) has now begun work to enable it to deliver its functions and design airspace for the complex London region. A number of processes to complete the establishment of the UKADS will be completed over the coming weeks including the publication of updated guidance documents and decision on changes to the conditions of the NERL Licence by the CAA.

What environmental duties will be placed on the UK Airspace Design Service.

The UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) must follow the processes for airspace change, including environmental requirements, set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in line with the Government’s Air Navigation Directions and Air Navigation Guidance.Any airspace change proposal must follow the CAA’s CAP1616 airspace change process. CAP1616 sets out how sponsors of airspace change, including the UKADS, must undertake comprehensive environmental assessments for airspace options which are under consideration. There are also requirements for airspace change sponsors to provide sufficient information and carry out consultation with those who may be affected by a change, before any final proposals are submitted.A consultation on potential changes to the Air Navigation Directions and Air Navigation Guidance closed on 26 January 2026 and the outcome will be published later this year.