What does National Air Traffic Control Services (NATS) do?
NATS are responsible for managing air traffic within UK airspace and provide air traffic services at many UK airports, including Southampton Airport. NATS’ first priority is safety but they are also concerned with directing air traffic in an efficient manner. When pilots are within controlled airspace, they must follow controllers’ instructions. Aircraft in the initial or final stages of their journey are handled by controllers at the airport itself.
