Statutory Background
Most ACCs are constituted by managers of airports by virtue of their obligation set out in section 35(1) of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 (as amended by the Airports Act 1986). Airports are required to provide adequate facilities for consultation with a diverse range of stakeholders in respect to any matter concerning the management or administration of the airport which affects their interests.
The Act does not define “adequate facilities” which is a matter left to the airport operator but as a consequence of this legislation it has become the practice to have ACCs at most airports. The Department for Transport (DfT) has produced Guidelines for Airport Consultative Committees (PDF) setting out some high level generic principles and standards to assist airports and those involved in establishing, running and participating in the work of ACCs.
How ACCs Work
Each airport consultative committee (ACC) works in a way that best suits the local circumstances within which it operates. ACCs are important forums facilitating open, honest and constructive dialogue between a wide range of aviation stakeholders and interest groups, all with differing perspectives and concerns about their local airport’s operation and future development.
The role of an ACC is often misunderstood – they do not lobby, and they are not the mouthpiece for an airport. They help to shine a light on matters of importance to local people, businesses, passengers and other users of airports. Being independent entities, ACCs can discuss matters of local concern and provide challenge where necessary to offer possible solutions on a wide range of issues. Regular topics discussed include the passenger experience, transport provision, environmental impacts, labour market and skills, local procurement and community support.
UKACCs has produced a Practical Guide to assist ACCs in their day-to-day work, giving examples and ideas to help achieve effective and constructive meetings. The Guide also helps a wider audience to understand the workings of ACCs.
How to Get Involved with Your ACC
An ACC is the bridge between an airport, its stakeholders and the community that surrounds it or is affected by its operations. They are an independent forum that meets regularly to discuss, amongst other things, an airport’s operations, future plans, and impact on the local area.
One of the ACC’s main goals is to ensure that the voices of local residents, local authorities, and airport users (such as businesses, passengers and those in the travel industry) are heard by an airport’s management.
Ways You Can Engage
An ACC is designed to represent you through specific local groups. Here is how you can get your voice heard:
1. Contact your representative
The most effective way to raise an issue is to contact a committee member who represents your area or interest group. Committee members are not there to give their personal opinions; they are there to speak on behalf of the organisations and communities they represent.
- Who represents you: A committee typically includes representatives from local councils, residents’ associations, businesses, airlines, environmental groups, and passenger groups.
- Action: Check your local ACC’s Member List to find the appropriate representative and contact them directly to share your views.
2. Attend a meeting
Some ACCs have meetings that are open to the public to observe.
- What to expect: You can listen to discussions between an airport and committee members on topics like noise, future developments, and passenger services.
- Public Questions: Some committees set aside time for public questions. Please check your specific committee’s constitution and terms of reference to see if they do allow public questions. If they do, you may need to submit your question in advance of a meeting.
- Action: You can view an ACC’s Calendar of Meetings to see when they meet next.
3. Stay informed
You can track what is happening at an airport without attending a meeting. Most ACCs publish the information they discuss to keep the process transparent.
- Action: Most ACCs will publish agendas, papers and minutes so you can read them on an ACC’s website or airport webpage. This will help you to see what issues are being discussed and suggestions they have made to an airport.
Understanding an ACC’s Role (What They Can and Cannot Do)
To help you get the best results, it is important to understand what an ACC is designed to do, and where its powers are limited.
What ACCs can DO:
- Act as a “Critical Friend”: ACCs provide constructive challenge and advice to an airport. They highlight what is working well and objectively challenge areas where improvements are needed.
- Monitor trends: ACCs look at the “big picture” data regarding noise, flight paths, and service quality to identify systemic issues.
- Influence decisions: ACCs engage with an airport early on regarding future plans to help shape outcomes that benefit communities, businesses, airport users and others who may be considered as stakeholders.
What ACCs CANNOT Do:
- ACCs do not run an airport: An ACC has no executive power. They cannot force an airport to change its operations or stop specific flights.
- ACCs are not a complaints desk: ACCs cannot investigate individual complaints (such as a specific noisy flight or a lost bag). These should be reported directly to an airport. However, ACCs can monitor the total number of complaints to ensure an airport is handling them correctly. This helps identify any trends developing from the feedback received by airports.
- ACCs do not resolve legal disputes: An ACC is not a court or a tribunal. ACCs are here to build understanding, not to settle legal or financial disputes.
For contact details for the ACC in your area, please see Our Member ACCs.
More Information
For more information, please see FAQs under Useful Information.