Why did local Conservative MPs refuse to support aviation ombudsman proposal?

Communities around Gatwick call for independent scrutiny of airspace changes.

Residents’ campaign group CAGNE has expressed deep disappointment that Conservative MPs representing communities around Gatwick Airport and beyond abstained on a proposal for an independent aviation ombudsman during the Civil Aviation Bill’s Public Bill Committee proceedings from 20 to 22 October.

Residents across Kent, Surrey and Sussex could face new or more concentrated flight paths as the Government modernises UK airspace without any realistic prospect of appeal. CAGNE argues that communities affected by those changes need access to independent review.

Sally Pavey, chair of CAGNE, said: “Asking MPs to safeguard constituents affected by airspace change is entirely reasonable. It beggars belief that MPs who know their communities already endure aircraft noise would not support independent scrutiny of aviation-led changes.

“This is not about airport expansion, delaying airspace modernisation or opposing aviation; it is about being part of that process as a community and achieving a balanced outcome. Without credible scrutiny at the end of an airspace change system that already curtails our voices, residents are likely to become still more distrustful of the aviation industry and their elected representatives because we’re shut out by government and now the opposition in the name of progress.”

CAGNE is urging residents to contact their MPs (see below) and ask them to support New Clause 1 (NC1), tabled by John Milne MP, which would establish an independent ombudsman.

The Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill would modernise aviation regulation and grant new powers to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It also covers airspace change, air traffic, air navigation services and airport slots. CAGNE says stronger regulatory powers must be matched by stronger independent accountability to communities on the ground.

Campaigners warn that airspace modernisation could concentrate aircraft noise and environmental impacts over new areas for many years. They say affected residents would have no independent route of review unless the Bill is amended. CAGNE also believes successive changes to the CAA’s CAP1616 airspace-change process have weakened community protections.

Why this matters

The issue is particularly significant for MPs representing constituencies beneath existing or proposed flight paths, especially in London and the South East. The Department for Transport and the CAA have confirmed that the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS), delivered by NATS (En Route) plc, will initially focus on modernising complex airspace around London.

CAGNE says that creating a single “guiding mind” for airspace design makes independent scrutiny more urgent. It is calling for transparent UKADS governance, publication of evidence and options analysis, and a formal role for community and environmental representatives in scrutiny arrangements.

Call to MPs and residents

• MPs are asked to support and add their names to NC1, which would create an independent aviation ombudsman for complaints concerning airspace, flight paths and air navigation.
• Residents are encouraged to write to their MP using this template letter in pdf or docx format, whichever is easier for you. (Remember to add your MP’s name, and your name and address).

Notes 

• The Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill [HL] is a Government Bill that began in the House of Lords and is now before the House of Commons.
• The Bill includes provisions on airspace change, air traffic, air navigation services, airport slots and schedules, and powers for the Civil Aviation Authority.
• UKADS is intended to coordinate future airspace design, including complex airspace around London, and is being delivered by NATS (En Route) plc.
• CAGNE is calling for an aviation ombudsman independent of the CAA and aviation industry bodies.

NC1 amendment: Read the amendment

CAP1616 airspace-change process: CAA information