Oxford Aviation Services and Others v Civil Aviation Authority, Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for Transport
[2026] EWHC 1044 (Admin)
11 May 2026
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On 6 May, the High Court handed down judgment in Oxford Aviation Services and Others v Civil Aviation Authority, Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for Transport [2026] EWHC 1044 (Admin). The claim for judicial review concerned the CAA’s decision not to de-notify RAF Northolt as available for use by civilian flights, nor to impose conditions on that use.
The Court dismissed the claim for judicial review of the CAA’s decision. The Court held that the CAA had carried out its safety assessment reasonably and in accordance with the legal principles established in the case of Oxford Aviation Services and Secretaries of State for Defence and Transport [2015] EWHC 24 (Admin). Moreover, the reasons provided by the CAA were demonstrably sufficient. There was no substance in the Claimants' contention that the CAA had abdicated its decision. Finally, the task of resolving disputes over the correct interpretation of the PANS-OPS guidance (on navigation procedures). issued under the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s auspices, should be vouchsafed to the international bodies established under the Chicago Convention - provided that the CAA’s approach was a tenable interpretation. Since the CAA’s interpretation of the guidance was tenable, it would be wrong in principle for the Court to intervene further.
The judgment is available here.
Monica Carss-Frisk KC and Jane Collier acted for the CAA. Gemma White KC acted for the Secretaries of State (with Max Mills of 2 Hare Court).
