AEF supports call for independent ombudsman for airspace change - Aviation Environment FederationAviation Environment Federation

6th October, 2026

AEF is supporting 20 community groups calling for an independent ombudsman on airspace design decisions. With UK airspace undergoing a complete redesign, a fair, transparent and credible right of appeal outside the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has never been more important.

In a letter handed in at No.10 in September, the groups urged the government to add an amendment to the Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill. It would create an independent body where people negatively affected by flight path changes and increased noise pollution can appeal.

Pictured at 10 Downing Street: Sally Pavey, chair of CAGNE; Philip Jeffery, East Twickenham Heathrow Campaign; John Stewart, HACAN East; Florence Long, Aviation Environment Federation; John Sadler, Campaign to Protect Rural England; John Milne MP for Horsham. Picture courtesy of CAGNE

Florence Long, AEF’s Comms Officer who attended No.10, spoke to Latest TV News Editor Mark Walker about the letter, and why people need an independent route for redress.

What are the next steps and how do we ensure independent scrutiny of airspace change?

In terms of this amendment, 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.

Members of the public can help by writing to your MP and asking them to support the amendments inclusion. AEF member group CAGNE, Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions, has created a template letter to make this easy.

Photo credit: Jordhan Madec, Unsplash