At AMERICAN FLIGHT SUPPORT, we specialize in securing UK charter permits quickly and efficiently. The United Kingdom maintains strict requirements for charter operations, and staying compliant with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations is essential to avoid costly delays or penalties. Our team ensures you have everything in place for smooth, hassle-free operations in and within the UK airspace.

Any non-UK registered charter flight, whether passenger or cargo, must obtain a landing permit prior to operating in the United Kingdom. Aircraft flying under experimental certificates require a special exemption issued by the CAA, which follows a different application process than standard charter permits.

The UK enforces cabotage rules with zero tolerance. Charter flights cannot operate between two UK airports unless they are official diplomatic or Head of State movements. For example, a routing such as Teterboro–Edinburgh–London–Paris would not be authorized due to the internal UK segment. To remain compliant, operators must either restrict UK operations to a single stop or add an intermediate stop outside the UK, such as Edinburgh–Dublin–London.

The official processing time for permits is two business days, provided all documents are complete and correct. The CAA may accept short-notice requests at its discretion, but only during office hours, which are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time. The office is closed on weekends and UK public holidays, except for air ambulance and humanitarian flights.

To obtain a UK charter permit, operators must submit a valid Air Operator Certificate, proof of EU liability insurance, and a signed statement confirming no dangerous goods onboard. Each flight requires its own permit application, as the CAA does not issue blanket authorizations.

Approved permits include a 48-hour flexibility window before and after the scheduled time. Crew and passenger manifests do not need updating once a permit is issued, and operators may include up to five aircraft on a single application, giving flexibility in planning.

Revisions to permits typically require two business days, although faster approvals may be possible. Changes that require a new authorization include operations outside the validity window, changing the aircraft or operator, altering a UK arrival airport other than for weather or technical diversions, or modifying a non-UK departure or destination point. Diversions due to technical reasons, weather, or airport closures are permitted without revision.

The CAA actively enforces rules against unauthorized or “grey” charter flights. Non-compliance can result in flight detention, questioning by UK Border Force or SAFA inspectors, public listing of the operator, or prosecution under UK law.

Charter aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight over 10 metric tons and carrying passengers must undergo full security screening before boarding when departing from UK airports.

Navigating UK permit requirements can be complex and time-sensitive. At AMERICAN FLIGHT SUPPORT, we manage the entire process—application submission, follow-up, revisions, and last-minute adjustments—so your operations remain compliant and uninterrupted.