Regulations and Government
Speed rule made permanent at London Airports
The UK’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has introduced a permanent 250-knot speed restriction for standard instrument departures (SIDs) from London’s

The UK’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has introduced a permanent 250-knot speed restriction for standard instrument departures (SIDs) from London’s Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Northolt and London City airports. Aircraft are required to maintain and not exceed 250 knots below FL100.

Air traffic controllers will not remove the 250-knot restriction unless there are “overriding safety reasons” for doing so, or if the pilot requests it due to the aircraft configuration and controllers can meet this request. NATS has asked pilots not to request removal of the speed limit in any other circumstances.