Aviation Policy

The Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible for the UK Government's aviation policy.

In December 2003, the DfT produced its Air Transport White Paper, setting out a strategic framework for airport development over the next 30 years. It also published a follow up progress report in December 2006.

The European Commission (EC) is responsible for European wide aviation policy which has an impact on our business.

In March 2009 the EC published the Airport Charges Directive. This sets a common framework for Member States on the principles of how airport charges should be established and the associated relationship between airports and airlines. The DfT in April 2011 conducted a targeted consultation on its proposals for Regulations, which once implemented would transpose the EC Airport Charges Directive into UK law. The DfT expects this process to be completed by 1 September 2011.  Find below:

In May 2009 the EC published a proposed directive for Aviation Security Charges. Its aims are to ensure transparency, non-discrimination and consultation of airlines when fixing the level of charges, as well as cost-relatedness. It also proposes to establish an independent supervisory authority in each Member State.

The DfT has undertaken a consultation on behalf of the UK on this proposed Directive.

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