The permit regime explained

Before operating to, from or within the United Kingdom, all foreign registered aircraft must be in possession of an operating permit issued by the Department for Transport’s International Aviation, Safety & Environment Division (IASE) under the 2009 Air Navigation Order. This requirement extends to all scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo charters that are not covered by the provisions of the European market access regulations, and to flights carrying out aerial work (e.g. photography, parachuting, flight training). Foreign aircraft require also permits under the appropriate air navigation orders before operating to the Isle of Man, Channel Islands and the UK overseas territories.

Before granting any operating permits for scheduled flights, IASE ensures that the services are operating in conformity with the traffic rights and conditions provided under the UK’s bilateral air services arrangements negotiated with the airlines’ States. In the case of non-scheduled flights we seek reciprocity to ensure that UK airlines are allowed similar opportunities from the respective foreign authorities.

IASE also ensures that a number of administrative arrangements are completed before an operating permit is granted. These require airlines to provide valid certificates that are recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on competency (ie air operators certificate), insurance, registration, aircraft airworthiness and noise and that aircraft are fitted with a recognised enhanced ground proximity warning system, airborne collision avoidance system and crews are aware of the UK Approach Ban requirements and comply with aerodrome operating minima requirements.

In addition, any airline operating aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 10,000kgs or more in the United Kingdom must also have a security Direction (known as the Single Consolidated Direction (Aviation) 2010) served on them and so applicants applying for a permit that involves such an operation should also contact surefaxupdate@dft.gsi.gov.uk for further information.

Departmental contacts

Applications to the Secretary of State for airline operating permits should be sent using the appropriate form to the Department for Transport at the address below at least 48 hours in advance of the first flight:

Office Hours

1/22 Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR
Email (office hours): airlineoperatingpermits@dft.gov.uk
Fax: +44 (0)20 7944 2194

Contact for airlines registered in Russia and other former Soviet Union States (except Baltic States), countries in Asia, including the Indian sub-continent, and the Far East, Australasia

• Phone: +44 (0)20 7944 5804 or
• Phone: +44 (0)20 7944 5847

Contact for airlines registered in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean

• Phone: +44 (0)20 7944 5849 or
• Phone: +44 (0)20 7944 5847

Contact for airlines registered in Europe (including the Baltic States and Turkey), Africa and the Middle East

• Phone: +44 (0)20 7944 5804 or
• Phone: +44 (0)20 7944 5847

Out of office hours (emergency only)

Applications for urgent emergency ad-hoc flights or last minute substitution flights that need to be made out of office hours, weekends and public holidays should be submitted to the Department for Transport Duty Office:

• Phone: +44 (0)20 7944 5999
• Fax: +44 (0)20 7944 5369

NB: The out of hour’s service is to be used for emergency situations only. Any request for permits to operate series or seasonal programmes of flights will be considered only during office hours. It would be helpful if applicants provide more than one means of contact, in case difficulties arise.