RiverOak Strategic Partners
Airspace Procedures
RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) is now halfway through the process to secure approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the use of airspace and procedures to enable safe and efficient operations to and from Manston Airport, as well as minimising the impact of airport operations on local communities.
The process is defined in the Civil Aviation Publication (CAP) 1616.
The Civil Aviation Authority CAP 1616 process for airspace change is carried out in seven stages, with 14 very precise steps. It also includes four ‘gateways’ beyond which applicants are not allowed to proceed until approved by the CAA.
The airspace change process is designed to be impartial, transparent and evidence-based, taking account of the needs and interests of all affected stakeholders. We are working methodically through the process and are currently at the public consultation stage (Stage 3).
In Stage 2, we sought feedback for our Design Options, from air navigation service providers at neighbouring airports, the wider qaviation community and selected representatives of local communities such as members of local authorities, parish councils and MPs representing constituencies in the surrounding area to ensure any critical technical and operational interdependencies were considered.
In 2025, the CAA confirmed that it was satisfied with the airspace change proposal, up to that stage, and it is in accordance with the CAA’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy and UK Masterplan.
Our proposals are currently subject to comprehensive public consultation, enabling RSP to consider the wider views of residents, businesses, communities, the public and other stakeholders. The consultation launched on Monday 16th March 2026, closes on Monday 22nd June 2026, and includes four public consultation events – two in-person and two online. All documents relating to the consultation can be found on our Citizen Space hub, which is hosting the consultation.
Once the consultation has finished, a full Consultation Response document will be produced and submitted to the CAA. To find out more, please visit the Manston page on the CAA’s dedicated Airspace Change portal here.
FAQ
What is airspace?
Airspace is the ‘invisible infrastructure’ in the sky which helps aircraft operate safely. It is an essential part of the UK’s national transport infrastructure.
What is an Airspace Change Project?
Airspace change is a separate process and one that all airports in the UK are required to undertake as part of a nationwide modernisation of our ‘infrastructure in the sky’. By establishing airspace and operating procedures for flights to and from Manston, this process will ensure that the airport can operate in the safest, most efficient and sustainable way by fully utilising the improved navigational capabilities of modern aircraft and the updated ‘en route’ network.
What stage has the Manston ACP reached?
The CAA’s airspace change process consists of seven stages. Manston is now at Stage 3. In reaching Stage 3, the CAA has confirmed that it is satisfied the airspace change proposal, up to this stage, is in accordance with the CAA’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy and UK Masterplan.
Our proposals are currently subject to comprehensive public consultation, enabling RSP to consider the wider views of residents, businesses, communities, the public and other stakeholders. The consultation launched on Monday 16th March 2026, closes on Monday 22nd June 2026, and includes four public consultation events – two in-person and two online. All documents relating to the consultation can be found on our Citizen Space hub, which is hosting the consultation.
Once the consultation has finished, a full Consultation Response document will be produced and submitted to the CAA. To find out more, please visit the Manston page on the CAA’s dedicated Airspace Change portal here.
When can members of the public get involved?
Our proposals are currently subject to comprehensive public consultation, enabling RSP to consider the wider views of residents, businesses, communities, the public and other stakeholders. The consultation launched on Monday 16th March 2026, closes on Monday 22nd June 2026, and includes four public consultation events – two in-person and two online. All documents relating to the consultation can be found on our Citizen Space hub, which is hosting the consultation.
What is the timeline for airspace change?
Why doesn’t the process include flights over 7,000ft?
Flights over 7,000ft are the responsibility of NATS, the national air traffic services provider. NATS will undertake a separate airspace change process in order to modernise the ‘en route’ network above this threshold.
What is the latest stakeholder update?
Stakeholder updates will be posted here in due course..
Further information
To access the Manston page on the CAA’s dedicated Airspace Change portal, please click here.
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