We use necessary cookies to make our website work. We'd also like to use optional cookies to understand how you use it, and to help us improve it.

For more information, please read our cookie policy.



The legal framework for the grant and maintenance of licences is contained in a number of separate aviation-related items of legislation, regulations and other sources.

European legislation

The following documents are available from HMSO:

  • Treaties establishing the European Communities. Treaties amending these Treaties. Single European Act 1987 (published in a single document).
  • Official Journal of the European Communities - Legislation - L240 Volume 35 dated 24 August 1992. The contents of this include:
    • Council Regulation (EC) N on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community (Recast)
    • Council Regulation (EC) No 2410/92 of 23 July 1992 amending Regulation (EC) No 3975/87 laying down the procedure for the application of the rules on competition to undertakings in the air transport sector.
    • Council Regulation (EC) No 2411/92 of 23 July 1992 amending Regulation (EC) No 3976/87 on the application of Article 85 (3) of the Treaty to certain categories of agreements and concerted practices in the air transport sector.
  • Official Journal of the European Communities - Decision - L239/ dated 7 October 1995.The contents of this include:
    • Commission Decision of 19 July 1995 on a procedure relating to the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 2407/92 (Swissair/Sabena).
    • Council Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 of 9 October 1997 on air carrier liability in the event of accidents.
    • Council Regulation (EC) No 889/2002 of 13 May 2002 amending Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 on air carrier liability in the event of accidents.
    • Council Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of 26 January 2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights.
    • Council Regulation (EC) No 785/2004 of 21 April 2004 on insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators.
    • Commission Regulation (EU) No 285/2010 of 6 April 2010 amending Regulation (EC) No 785/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators.
    • Council Regulation (EC) No 847/2004 of 30 April 2004 on the negotiation and implementation of air service agreements between Member States and third countries.
    • Council Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of 27 October 2004 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws.
    • Council Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005 of 14 December 2005 on the establishment of a Community list of air carriers subject to an operating ban within the Community and on informing air transport passengers of the identity of the operating air carrier, and repealing Article 9 of Directive 2004/36/EC.
    • Council Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 of 5 July 2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air.
Close European legislation

UK legislation

The following documents are available from HMSO:

  • Civil Aviation Act 1982.
  • The Civil Aviation Authority Regulations 1991 - Statutory Instrument No 1672 1991.
  • The Operation of Air Services in the Community Regulations 2009 - Statutory Instrument No 41 2009.
  • The Air Carrier Liability (No.2) Regulations 2004 - Statutory Instrument No 1974 2004.
  • Community Air Carrier Liability Order 2004 - Statutory Instrument No 1418 2004.
  • Civil Aviation (Denied Boarding, Compensation and Assistance) Regulations 2005 - Statutory Instrument No 975 2005
  • Civil Aviation (Insurance) Regulations 2005 - Statutory Instrument No 1089 2005.
  • Civil Aviation Act 2006 - Chapter 34
  • Civil Aviation (Provision of Information to Passengers) Regulations 2006 - Statutory Instrument No 3303 2006.
  • Civil Aviation (Access to Air Travel for Disabled Persons and Persons of Reduced Mobility) Regulations 2007 - Statutory Instrument No 1895 2007
  • Civil Aviation (Allocation of Scarce Capacity) Regulations 2007 - Statutory Instrument No 3556 2007
Close UK legislation