Flight path changes over Scotland could save time and reduce emissions, consulation finds

Flight path changes over Scotland could save time, cut emissions, and bring down the number of airport delays, it has been suggested.

The UK’s current airspace is “outdated” and in need of change, according to the Airspace Change Organising Group.

It said planes across the country still fly on many of the same routes that were put in place nearly seven decades ago, when airspace was designed for use by a fraction of the flights that are seen now.

“Much of the UK’s airspace was designed in the 1950s, when there were fewer flights and navigation technology was far less sophisticated,” the Scottish Airspace Modernisation consultation said.

“Today’s modern aircraft still fly these outdated routes, meaning they often fly further and longer than they need to.”

That’s why Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport and National Air Traffic Services (NATS) are seeking to “transform Scottish skies” with a suite of flight path changes.

The consultation said the changes would enable smarter, more direct flight paths – reducing journey times and minimising environmental impact.

“Above 7,000ft, Scottish airspace is among the busiest in the UK, handling over 40% of UK traffic,” Lee Boulton, head of operations development at NATS, said.

“With demand expected to rise over the next decade, airspace modernisation will help ensure the network can meet future needs by enabling more direct routes while reducing emissions per flight.”

The proposed changes focus on an area of approximately 61,000 km² that handles more than 200,000 flights annually.

Updating flight paths will enable a reduction of 18,000 tonnes of CO2 each year, which is the emissions from the energy used by 5,000 households.

More direct routing will additionally save 79,000 nautical miles of flying a year, which is equivalent to flying 3.5 times around the world. It would save roughly 30 minutes of flight time each day.

The Scottish Airspace Modernisation consultation proposes upgrades to the arrival and departure routes below 7,000ft at both Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport, and changes to the route network above 7,000ft, managed by NATS, to introduce systemisation.

While the precise routes are undisclosed, the core changes involve transitioning to satellite-based navigation to create more direct, concentrated routes below 7,000 feet, aiming for environmental benefits and better noise management.

“We are fast-tracking airspace modernisation to deliver more reliable, efficient, and greener flights, while giving passengers greater choice and a better experience,” Keir Mather, minister for aviation, maritime, and decarbonisation said.

“It is fantastic to see Scottish airports and NATS reach this important milestone. Airports across the UK will be following in Scotland’s footsteps as we drive forward our plans for a modern aviation sector to support jobs, grow the economy and improve passenger experiences.”

Communities and residents are invited to submit consultation responses via the online consultation portal.

Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport and NATS are also holding a range of webinars and in-person events across Scotland during the consultation period.

The Scottish Airspace Modernisation consultation runs from October 20, 2025, until January 25, 2026.