By Andrew Bell, CEO Regional & City Airports (RCA)

As the UK aviation industry navigates a rapidly changing landscape, the role of regional airports has never been more crucial.

In a world where new airport infrastructure is becoming increasingly difficult to develop, it’s imperative that we turn our focus to optimising the resources we already have. Regional airports are not just local hubs; they are essential components of the UK’s national strategy to meet growing demand, drive innovation, and achieve sustainability.

This is not a subject that can be kicked down the line anymore. As British aviation faces the very real challenges of today, the even bigger challenges of tomorrow are steadily mounting. Only a complete and holistic consideration of the national landscape will allow us to ensure that the benefits of aviation are distributed more evenly across the country, fostering regional growth and reducing the environmental impact of our industry.

The National Challenge: Meeting Growing Demand Sustainably

The UK aviation industry is at a critical juncture. With passenger numbers rebounding strongly post-pandemic and projected to grow steadily over the coming decades, the pressure on our national airport infrastructure is intensifying. The challenge we face is clear: how do we accommodate this increasing demand without exacerbating congestion, environmental impact, or regional disparities?

The answer lies not only in costly and controversial expansions of already saturated hubs but in leveraging the untapped capacity of regional airports. By strategically optimising these existing assets, we can meet future demand sustainably, ensuring that all parts of the UK benefit from the economic and social advantages that aviation brings.

We must rethink how we use our resources to create a more balanced, resilient, and environmentally responsible aviation network across the nation.

Maximising Existing Infrastructure

The UK is home to over 30 airports with more than 100,000 passengers annually, each with its unique role in connecting communities and supporting local economies. Yet too often, the conversation around aviation has been dominated by the need for more capacity in London and the Southeast. The reality is that regional airports already possess significant capacity that can be optimised to meet the growing demands of passengers and cargo.

Instead of focusing on controversial and time-consuming projects to expand major airports, we must also look to regional airports as a solution. These airports, many of which are privately owned and operate within a competitive free-market economy, have the infrastructure and space to accommodate years of continued growth.

By focusing on making the best use of what we already have, we can enhance connectivity across the UK, support regional development, and alleviate pressure on congested hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick. This must also be accompanied by planning reforms that allow for timely, environmentally responsible upgrades to infrastructure, ensuring airports can evolve in line with demand.

Improving surface access to regional airports is equally critical. Enhancing public transport connections, integrating airports into regional transport strategies, and upgrading road and rail links will unlock greater capacity while supporting sustainable travel.

Driving Innovation and Decarbonisation

The future of aviation is inextricably linked with our ability to innovate and decarbonise, and regional airports are uniquely positioned to lead this charge. At RCA, we are driving sustainable aviation practices. Norwich Airport’s recent adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a critical step toward decarbonising the aviation industry. Moreover, our collaboration with Cranfield University and the goal to achieve Net Zero by 2040 showcases how regional airports can lead in innovation and sustainability.

From investigating ways to decarbonise ground operations to exploring the potential of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, partnerships like these are vital in ensuring that regional airports remain at the forefront of technological advancement.

Our ambition is clear: achieving Net Zero emissions across all RCA airports by 2040—a full decade ahead of the national aviation target.

Bridging the Skills Gap

As aviation evolves, so too must the skills of those who work within it. The transition to sustainable aviation will require a new generation of engineers, technicians, and pilots trained in emerging technologies such as hydrogen fuel systems and electric aircraft maintenance. We need somewhere to train them.

RCA is actively collaborating with institutions such as Future Skills Centre in Exeter and the International Aviation Academy Norwich to ensure the next generation of aviation professionals are equipped with the necessary skills. By bridging the skills gap through these training programmes, we are positioning regional airports as centres of innovation and employment.

However, this issue extends beyond training. The current skills shortage threatens the future of the industry, and it’s essential that the government expands the application of apprenticeship levy funds to cover key aviation qualifications.

The Consequences of Inaction

The aviation sector stands at a crossroads. The choices we make today—optimising infrastructure, decarbonising operations, and investing in skills—will determine the future of UK aviation. We cannot afford to delay these crucial steps.

Without decisive action, we risk stifling regional growth, increasing congestion at major hubs, and missing opportunities to lead the world in sustainable aviation. It is imperative that we act now to create a more resilient and environmentally responsible aviation sector for the UK.

The path forward is clear: by embracing regional airports as key drivers of innovation and sustainability, we can unlock a brighter, more sustainable future for UK aviation.

Preparing For Take-Off: Read RCA's Manifesto For UK Regional Aviation