United Kingdom Aviation Permits
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Civil Aviation Authority
- Name: UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- Website: https://www.caa.co.uk
- Contact: Permits: +44 330 138 3484 (weekdays 0900-1700 LT) | foreigncarrierpermits@caa.co.uk | Duty Office (out of hours): +44 330 022 1500
Estimated Processing Time
Requirements by Operation Type
Private flights generally exempt from permit requirements. PPR may be needed at some airports.
Non-scheduled require CAA permit for non-UK operators. Apply via foreign carrier permit system, 5 business days.
Bilateral agreements. Slots required at coordinated airports (LHR, LGW, STN, MAN). Post-Brexit rules apply for EU carriers.
Overflight Permit
- Required: No
- Authority: UK CAA / NATS
- Lead Time: N/A
- Validity: N/A
- Fees: NATS en-route charges (billed via Eurocontrol CRCO for IFR flights). Formula: distance factor x weight factor x UK unit rate.
No overflight permit required for any operation type provided the aircraft holds an ICAO-compliant Certificate of Airworthiness. Experimental/sub-ICAO aircraft require at least 5 working days lead time for overflight approval.
1. File ICAO flight plan with NATS (via Eurocontrol IFPS) 2. No overflight permit application needed for ICAO-compliant aircraft 3. NATS en-route charges billed automatically via Eurocontrol CRCO 4. For experimental/non-ICAO aircraft: apply to UK CAA at least 5 working days before 5. Ensure Mode S transponder, ADS-B Out, and RVSM compliance for FL290+
Landing Permit
- Required: Conditional
- Authority: UK CAA Foreign Carrier Permits Department
- Lead Time: 3 working days (ad hoc charter); 5 working days (experimental/non-standard); longer for first-time applicants
- Validity: Ad hoc: per flight with +/- 48h flexibility window. Series/blanket: up to 12 months.
- Fees: GBP 107 administration fee per ad hoc charter permit application. Airport-specific landing and handling fees vary.
Private non-revenue flights by ICAO-compliant aircraft: NO permit required. Charter (non-scheduled commercial) flights by non-UK registered aircraft: Foreign Carrier Permit (FCP) required via form CPG3200. UK does NOT issue blanket charter authorizations — each charter flight needs a separate permit. Aerial work: separate permit category. GAR (General Aviation Report) mandatory for ALL international arrivals/departures to the UK — submit via sGAR portal at https://www.submit-general-aviation-report.service.gov.uk
1. PRIVATE NON-REVENUE (ICAO-compliant): no permit needed, but file GAR via sGAR portal (https://www.submit-general-aviation-report.service.gov.uk) for all international arrivals/departures 2. CHARTER/COMMERCIAL: apply for Foreign Carrier Permit (FCP): a) Download and complete form CPG3200 from https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-industry/airlines/licensing/foreign-carrier-permits/applying-for-a-foreign-carrier-permit/ b) Pay GBP 107 administration fee (receipt required) c) Email completed CPG3200 + payment receipt to foreigncarrierpermits@caa.co.uk d) Submit at least 3 working days before flight (weekdays only, 0900-1700 LT) e) Required documents: valid AOC, insurance certificate compliant with EU Reg 785/2004, Certificate of Registration, Certificate of Airworthiness, Noise Certificate f) Approved permits include +/- 48h flexibility window 3. AERIAL WORK: separate application category — contact foreigncarrierpermits@caa.co.uk 4. SLOTS: mandatory at Level 3 coordinated airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City). Business aviation airports: Farnborough (EGLF), Biggin Hill (EGKB), Oxford (EGTK) — check individual PPR requirements 5. NIGHT RESTRICTIONS: Heathrow night quota 2330-0600 LT; Luton limited night slots; Stansted restricted. Farnborough: no movements 2100-0700 LT (Sat 2100 to Mon 0700) 6. GAR PENALTY: failure to submit correct GAR for international flights incurs fines up to GBP 10,000
Cabotage
No — strictly enforced. Non-UK operators cannot carry passengers or cargo between two points within the UK on a commercial basis. Post-Brexit, EU-registered operators are treated as third-country carriers and must obtain Foreign Carrier Permits for commercial operations.
General Remarks
Post-Brexit, UK is no longer in the EU aviation single market. EU-registered operators are treated as third-country carriers and need Foreign Carrier Permits for commercial ops. EASA TCO is NOT required for UK operations (UK has its own TCO regime — UK CAA Third Country Operator Certificate). UK is NOT in Schengen — full immigration clearance required. GAR mandatory for all international GA flights. Police notification required 12h in advance for private flights at non-designated aerodromes.