The House of Lords has completed the report stage of the Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill, concluding a further round of scrutiny on 13 July ahead of the legislation’s third reading later this month.
The bill proposes updates to the UK’s civil aviation framework, with measures intended to strengthen consumer protections, support the aviation sector and ensure regulation continues to align with international developments while maintaining safety standards.
During report stage, peers examined the legislation in detail and considered a series of amendments covering passenger rights, aviation regulation and airport policy.
Among the proposals debated were measures to prevent airlines from separating families travelling under the same booking, establish the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as the UK’s sole aviation regulator, provide disabled passengers with a clearer complaints process, and remove compensation limits for wheelchairs and mobility aids that are lost, damaged or destroyed on domestic flights.
Members also discussed amendments relating to airport expansion.
Three amendments were put to a vote during the session. Peers approved an amendment requiring the government to publish a review examining the impact of airport drop-off charges on passengers
However, proposed changes concerning airline compensation reimbursement schemes and a duty to promote the international competitiveness of the UK aviation sector were rejected.
The bill has already completed its second reading and committee stage in the House of Lords, where peers conducted a line-by-line examination of its provisions.
The legislation will now proceed to third reading, scheduled for 20 July, which provides a final opportunity for amendments before it moves to the next stage of the parliamentary process.
