#2026/553UK Customs and Excise Airport Designations Updated for 2026
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This order updates the list of UK aerodromes where aircraft may land or depart for customs and excise purposes. It replaces the 2021 order and keeps a defined list of airports approved for these movements across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The practical change is the removal of five aerodromes from the previous designation: Coventry Airport, Doncaster (Sheffield) Airport, Filton Airport, Manston Airport and Plymouth Airport. Airlines, private aircraft operators, airport managers and logistics teams should check that customs-related flights use one of the listed designated airports from 11 June 2026.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Replaces the 2021 customs and excise airport designation order
- Designates the current list of aerodromes approved for customs and excise aircraft movements
- Removes Coventry, Doncaster (Sheffield), Filton, Manston and Plymouth from the designated list
Obligations
What this law requires
From 11 June 2026, aircraft landing or departing for customs and excise purposes must use one of the aerodromes designated in the 2026 Order.
Airport managers and flight planners must not treat Coventry Airport, Doncaster (Sheffield) Airport, Filton Airport, Manston Airport, or Plymouth Airport as designated customs and excise aerodromes after the 2026 Order comes into force.
Customs-related aircraft movements must be planned through one of the listed designated aerodromes, including Aberdeen International, Belfast International, Biggin Hill, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Brighton City, Bristol, Cambridge City, Cardiff, Cornwall Airport Newquay, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Farnborough, George Best Belfast City, Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick, Humberside, Inverness, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Southend, London Stansted, Lydd, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton, Sumburgh, or Teesside International Airport.