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Aviation: Safety

Asked by Andrew RosindellReform UKDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 22 July 2025UIN 68731

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of British aviation safety standards.

Answered by Mike Kane

Recognised international metrics show that UK airspace and airlines are amongst the safest in the world. We have an exemplary record that ensures consumer confidence and international trust in the UK’s regulatory regime. The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety.

The effectiveness of the standards are maintained through robust processes in place to ensure the safety of passengers. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets global standards for aviation safety to ensure there is a harmonization of standards. As a signatory to the Chicago Convention, we are responsible for ensuring compliance of all UK aviation authorities (UKAAs) we oversee, such as the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories. Both the DfT and the UKAAs are responsible for rulemaking processes regarding aviation safety and ensuring ICAO obligations are met.

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