Polite Reminder of the Civil Aviation Bill Amendment Vote this October
A briefing for elected representatives on why communities need independent scrutiny of airspace change decisions.
Member briefing
22 national and environmental groups are calling on elected members to support the proposed amendment to the Civil Aviation Bill so that communities affected by airspace change can access independent scrutiny, accountability and a fair hearing through an aviation ombudsman.
Key dates
The Civil Aviation Bill is expected to be scrutinised by the House of Commons Public Bill Committee from Tuesday 20 October 2026, with the Committee expected to report by 5.00pm on Thursday 22 October 2026.
Action requested of elected members
The groups urge elected members not to play politics with the future quality of life of residents who may be affected by airspace change. Members are asked to support the amendment and help ensure that the Civil Aviation Authority is subject to independent examination where communities are impacted.
Why this matters to residents
Future airspace changes could bring new aircraft noise, more concentrated flight paths and significant disruption for communities. The proposed amendment would give affected residents an independent route to be heard, rather than leaving decisions without meaningful challenge or external review.
Comment from the groups
“Residents deserve a fair, independent route to have their concerns heard. If MPs vote in favour of this amendment, they will show that they are prepared to stand up for the people whose daily lives may be changed by future airspace decisions. In years to come, MPs supporting this amendment will have reduced frustration and anger from impacted constituents and helped ensure that the CAA is accountable through independent examination.”
Background to the Bill
The Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill [HL] is a Government Bill now before the House of Commons. Its long title includes provision for airspace change, air traffic, air navigation services, airport slots and schedules, and new powers for the Civil Aviation Authority. The Bill has been described by the House of Commons Library as largely technical and intended to modernise the UK’s aviation regulatory framework. However, the 22 groups are concerned that the Bill does not adequately highlight the accountability gap for MPs and residents where the CAA is given significant responsibility for airspace change decisions.
Useful links
- Proposed amendment: Civil Aviation Bill amendment paper
- CAP1616 update: CAA airspace change process
- CAGNE is non-political independent aviation community and environment group