Ministers have ordered an overhaul of UK airspace which could create more direct routes and let planes climb into the sky quicker.
In the long-term, the government says the redesign would create the necessary airspace for the “flying taxis” of the future to operate.
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(Image: Generic image of plane) It comes as the UK’s flightpaths have not been changed since the 1950s when there were just 200,000 flights per year. This is compared with the 2.7m in 2024, as reported by The Scottish Sun.
The huge increase has resulted in flight congestion that often forces planes to circle overhead before landing, causing frustration to passengers as well as more emissions.
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Transport Minister Mike Kane said: “Redesigned ‘skyways’ will turbocharge growth in the aviation industry.
“Not least by boosting airport expansion plans and supporting job creation, driving millions into the UK economy as part of the Plan for Change.
“Modernising our airspace is also one of the simplest ways to help reduce pollution from flying and will set the industry up for a long-term sustainable future.”
Tim Alderslade of Airlines UK added: “Modernising UK airspace is long overdue.
“These changes will help to speed up a programme that will provide tangible reforms, from a reduction in delays, improved resilience and lower carbon emissions.”
