A Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the national organisation responsible for regulating and supervising civil aviation within a country.
It ensures that airlines, airports, and aircraft operate safely, legally, and fairly, and that passengers’ rights are respected under national and international aviation law.
Learn More About the Definition of "Civil Aviation Authority"
Every country has its own Civil Aviation Authority — the government body that oversees flight operations, safety standards, licensing, and passenger protection.
In the European Union, these agencies also enforce EU261/2004, which protects passengers when flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
For example:
- Portugal: ANAC (Autoridade Nacional da Aviação Civil)
- United Kingdom: CAA (Civil Aviation Authority)
- Spain: AESA (Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea)
- France: DGAC (Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile)
- Germany: LBA (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt)
These bodies cooperate under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) framework to ensure consistent standards across Europe.
What does the Civil Aviation Authority do?
The main responsibilities of a Civil Aviation Authority include:
- Issuing licences and certifications for airlines, aircraft, and flight crew.
- Monitoring safety and airworthiness of aircraft and airports.
- Supervising air traffic control operations.
- Enforcing EU261/UK261 passenger rights and handling complaints.
- Investigating incidents or breaches of aviation law.
- Advising governments on aviation policy and environmental impact.
When an airline fails to comply with its obligations — for instance, refusing a legitimate compensation claim — passengers can escalate the case to their national Civil Aviation Authority for review or enforcement.
Why it matters?
The Civil Aviation Authority acts as the official referee between passengers and airlines.
It ensures the aviation industry operates transparently, that safety comes first, and that passenger protection laws are applied consistently.
Without these authorities, airlines could ignore compensation claims or delay payments indefinitely.
Knowing which aviation authority covers your flight helps you escalate unresolved claims and gives your case more legal weight.
How AireClaim works with Civil Aviation Authority?
AireClaim collaborates with Civil Aviation Authorities across Europe and the UK to validate cases, enforce airline compliance, and recover compensation faster.
If an airline ignores a legitimate claim, AireClaim prepares the file and sends it to the appropriate national enforcement body (NEB) for legal follow-up.
You only pay a success fee if we win.
- Start here: Check eligibility & start your flight claim
- Read more: Passenger Rights under EU261
FAQs about What is Civil Aviation Authority
The UK CAA regulates airlines, airports, and airspace in the United Kingdom. It enforces UK261, investigates safety incidents, and ensures passengers receive fair treatment under UK law. Learn more in EU Regulation 261.
Yes. AireClaim prepares and submits all required documentation to the appropriate authority when airlines do not respond or reject valid EU261 claims. Learn more in EU Regulation 261.