Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to assess the environmental and health impacts of concentrated flight paths.

UK airspace is an invisible but vital piece of our national infrastructure. Modernisation is long overdue and is critical to ensure that UK airspace is fit for purpose in the future. Its aim is to deliver quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys and more capacity for the benefit of those who use and are affected by UK airspace.

The Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) sets out the ways, means and ends of modernising airspace through nine elements that will modernise aircraft-based navigation and airspace management. A refreshed AMS was published in January 2023 which extends the strategy out to 2040, reaffirming our commitment to delivering this key infrastructure programme. Sustainability is an overarching principle of the strategy. The environmental benefits of the strategy will contribute towards our Jet Zero emissions reductions targets for the aviation sector.

The environmental benefits of airspace modernisation will contribute towards our Jet Zero emissions reductions targets for the aviation sector. The Free Route Airspace deployment over the southwest of England in March 2023 saved 12,000+ tonnes of CO2/year and 150,000 nautical miles of flying, which is the equivalent of seven trips around the world.

All sponsors of airspace change must follow the Civil Aviation Authority's regulatory requirements as set out in CAP1616. These requirements reflect the Government's Air Navigation Guidance 2017 which requires sponsors to consider the use of multiple flightpaths to disperse air traffic, as well as undertake full assessments of the airspace options they are considering. Noise impacts must be assessed using the Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance which includes a module for valuing the impacts of noise on health and quality of life.

Airports are responsible for the specific arrangements for low-level flightpaths. Engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including communities, is an important part of CAP1616 and is crucial to the success of the airspace modernisation programme. I would encourage you and your constituents to partake in these public engagement exercises to ensure the needs of your constituency are fully accounted for in the airspace change process.