18 September 2025
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that it has no plans to support policy development for General Aviation (GA), with current priorities limited to Heathrow expansion, sustainable aviation fuels, regional airports, and drones.
The confirmation came during a meeting attended yesterday by GA4Biz — the umbrella group representing AOPA, BBGA, BHA, and RPAS UK.
FLYER has been told that a scheduled 90-minute meeting ended in under an hour once officials made clear that GA would not be included in the Department’s forward priorities. Later the same day, the General Aviation Alliance (GAA) was given the same message.
According to those present, the DfT is moving towards a “subject-based” approach — for example, treating fuel as fuel, regardless of whether it is for airlines or light aircraft.
It’s a ‘no interest’ in GA from the DfT. Photo: Rose Galloway Green/ Unsplash
Officials also cited a reduction in headcount and funding as reasons why no GA strategy will be developed. More responsibility will be pushed towards the CAA, but its focus will mirror that of the DfT, leaving GA with no dedicated policy champion.
GA4Biz has warned this represents a fundamental abandonment of earlier commitments made by Government, civil servants and the CAA. Without a clear vision for the sector, GA aerodromes and the businesses that depend on them face growing risks. Investment could stall, skills may be lost and opportunities for innovation are likely to move elsewhere.
“General Aviation is not a luxury,” GA4Biz said in a statement. “It underpins pilot training, regional connectivity, engineering capability, and future aviation technologies.
“Policy choices that shape our future must not be made without our voice at the table. Silence on the future of our sector is not a strategy — it is a threat.”
