Good news regarding airspace over the Chilterns

The letter and accompanying news release below was sent to me by Jane Johnston, Head of Strategic Engagement at NATS. The air navigation service provider has announced that it is postponing plans for further consultation over changes to airspace in the Terminal Control North (TCN) area, which includes the Chilterns.  NATS has confirmed that it no longer intends to push through its former proposals regarding changes to TCN, largely because air traffic levels have fallen since 2008, removing the sense of urgency to restructure the airspace.  Instead, this issue will be merged into a larger-scale, longer-term evaluation of airspace across much of Southern England.

I am delighted by this decision, as it is a firm step in the right direction.

NATS – Terminal Control North Consultation

Dear Constituent,

You may have previously written to me about the NATS review of flight paths over the South East and I thought that you would want to be aware of a new development.

Recently I was contacted by NATS’ Head of Strategic Engagement, Jane Johnston regarding their work to revise the airspace design for the Terminal Control North (TCN) which was subject to a consultation last year.

NATS have informed me that “there will be no second TCN consultation on revised air routes until at least September next year”. The reason that NATS give for the delay is that “the general downturn in air traffic levels internationally since the first TCN consultation means there is less urgency than originally for this development”.

NATS have assured me that they are continuing to work on alternatives and that doing nothing is not a long term option. They also point out that since the 2008 consultation they have made changes to departure routes from London City.

I will make sure to keep you updated on any further developments.

Yours sincerely,

David Lidington