Realignment of Routes Q36/Q37 to accommodate Dublin R2

Overview

NATS is proposing to realign ATS routes Q36 and Q37 so that they start from individual Co-ordination points (COPs) on the western UK FIR (Flight Information Region) boundary rather than diverging from a single COP, LIFFY.  

ATS routes Q36 and Q37 were introduced into the UK Route network in November 2017 to serve eastbound departures from Dublin airport.  When designed, it was envisaged that these routes would ultimately run parallel starting at independent COPs on the Ireland/ UK airspace boundary to interface with Standard Instrument Departure Routes (SIDs) from a future second runway at Dublin airport.  However, at the time of introduction of these routes, Dublin airport was a single runway operation and it was considered unnecessary to amend their SIDs, which all routed via a single COP, LIFFY, until the implementation of a second runway at Dublin airport.

Dublin airport is currently constructing a new runway, due to enter into service in October 2021,  and will be introducing new SIDs into their operation. This is the ideal time to straighten ATS routes Q36 and Q37 so they align with new COPs on the Ireland/ UK airspace boundary.  This change should optimise the interface with the new Dublin SIDs, resulting in reduced CO₂ emissions, increased safety, increased SID allocation predictability at Dublin airport as well as being able to accommodate the expected growth forecast following the opening of Dublin airports second runway.    

This change occurs over the high seas, requires no new introduction of controlled airspace or any alteration to flights below 7000 ft; NATS welcomes your feedback to develop this  airspace change proposal.

Why your views matter

The purpose of this consultation is to provide all stakeholders and any interested parties with an overview of the benefits achievable by this proposed airspace change comprising the introduction of two new COPs on the boundary of Ireland and UK airspace.  These benefits are detailed in the consultation document below and interested parties are offered the opportunity to contribute feedback on details within this airspace change proposal (ACP).

As such we are seeking feedback from any stakeholders who may be affected.  Primarily this is likely to be users of the airspace and aviation stakeholders.  Nonetheless we welcome feedback from any interested parties.

The consultation begins on 6^th April and ends on 18^th May 2020, a period of 6 weeks.

Consultation Material  (please download)

Your feedback will be sent to the CAA and will be published after moderation.

What happens next

During consultation we gathered feedback from stakeholders and any interested parties. 

Responses will then be analysed and themed.  Shortly after the consultation finishes we will publish a consultation feedback document, which will summarise the themes and NATS’ response to any issues raised. 

The feedback document will be available for download via the CAA portal.  Any new requirements identified will be considered in the on-going design process.  The ACP will detail the design being submitted and make reference to changes that have been made to take account of consultation feedback.