On 20th February 2025, the UK’s aviation landscape underwent a significant transformation. The much-used Manchester Low-Level Route (MLLR)—previously a familiar transit option for General Aviation (GA) pilots navigating between Liverpool and Manchester—was decommissioned and replaced by a newly established restricted area, EGR323 North West Transit Corridor (NWTC). Below is an overview of these changes, why they were introduced, and what they mean for pilots.
Farewell to the Manchester Low-Level Route
For many years, the Manchester Low-Level Route was a defined corridor within the Class D Manchester Control Zone (CTR), providing GA pilots with a simpler means to transit under controlled airspace. From 0001 hours on Thursday, 20th February 2025, however, the MLLR ceased operation. This change was part of Airspace Change Proposal (ACP) CRA-1991-2023-002, approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to modernise and enhance air traffic management in the North West.
The well-known Official Record Series 4 (ORS4) No.1596, which helped underpin the MLLR, was withdrawn at the same time.
Introduction of EGR323 North West Transit Corridor (NWTC)
In place of the MLLR, a new restricted area known as EGR323 or the North West Transit Corridor (NWTC) came into force. This corridor was designed to replicate a similar level of access that the MLLR once offered to GA aircraft wishing to fly between Liverpool and Manchester.
Airspace Reclassification
Below 1500 FT AMSL within the lateral boundaries of the NWTC, the airspace is now Class G, subject to restrictions (see Section 2.2).
At and above 1500 FT AMSL, the area remains part of the Manchester Control Zone but has been redesignated as Manchester Control Area 6 (CTA-6), which continues to be Class D airspace up to 3500 FT AMSL.
If you wish to operate below 1500 FT AMSL within the NWTC, you must adhere to certain conditions (described below) but do not need an ATC clearance if you meet those conditions. Pilots flying above 1500 FT AMSL in the NWTC (i.e., within CTA-6) must obtain clearance from air traffic control.
Conditions for Operating Below 1500 FT AMSL in EGR323
Within the NWTC, any aircraft flying below 1500 FT AMSL is prohibited unless it meets all of the following conditions:
Maximum indicated airspeed: 140 knots
Minimum in-flight visibility: 5 km
Maximum Certified Take-Off Mass (MCTOM): 40,000 kg
Operating with reference to either the Manchester or Liverpool QNH
If an aircraft cannot comply with these conditions, the operator may apply for an exemption as outlined in UK AIP ENR 5.1. Certain State and emergency services (Police Air Support, Emergency Medical Service, the King’s Helicopter Flight, and Search and Rescue flights) benefit from more flexible visibility requirements.
Practical Implications for GA and Student Pilots
No ATC Clearance (Below 1500 FT AMSL): If you meet the four criteria (speed, visibility, mass, local QNH), you can transit the NWTC as if it were standard Class G airspace—no direct communication with ATC required.
ATC Clearance (Above 1500 FT AMSL): Should your flight profile place you at or above 1500 FT AMSL (within CTA-6), you must obtain ATC clearance before entering this Class D airspace.
Frequency Monitoring Recommended: Although not mandated, the CAA highly encourages the use of Frequency Monitoring Codes (FMC). For Manchester, that is 7366 (monitor frequency 118.580), and for Liverpool, 5060 (monitor frequency 119.855). This helps ATC to quickly identify and contact pilots if they appear to be on course to infringe controlled airspace.
Charts and Publications: Updated 1:500,000 VFR and 1:250,000 VFR charts will clearly depict the new EGR323 boundary and the modified Manchester CTR. Pilots are advised to review these charts and the UK AIP thoroughly before flying in the region.
Rationale Behind the Change
This update formed part of the ongoing airspace modernisation programme. By replacing the MLLR with EGR323, it seems that the CAA aimed to standardise airspace arrangements in the North West, removing a unique procedure in favour of a more typical restricted-area structure. Critically, the new corridor retains the essential passageway for light GA aircraft, ensuring that pilots continue to benefit from a defined route through this congested area.
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