Aviation & Airports
Aviation and airport legal expertise
Specialist legal support for UK airports, infrastructure providers and aviation operators.
At Freeths, we advise airport operators, aviation companies and procurement professionals on a wide range of legal services, covering everything from concession contracts and terminal developments to renewable energy projects, commercial leases and regulatory compliance.
Our team of aviation lawyers understand the high-pressure, highly regulated environment in which airports operate. We bring deep experience across airport estates, public procurement and aviation infrastructure.
Legal expertise for the aviation sector
Our dedicated team advises on matters including:
- Retail and catering concession agreements
- Aviation infrastructure and terminal redevelopment
- Commercial leases and airport estate management
- Public procurement, tendering and compliance
- Competition, anti-trust and regulatory advice
- Dispute resolution, health and safety and inquests
- Ground transportation and surface access arrangements
- Renewable energy projects for airports
- Aviation, IT, maintenance and operational contracts
Trusted by leading UK airports
We have long-standing relationships with major UK airports and aviation operators. Our clients trust us to:
- Create bespoke concession contracts tailored to operational and commercial needs
- Manage complex redevelopment projects involving relocation of tenants and new unit fit outs
- Advise on multimillion-pound concession deals with global operators such as SSP, TRG, Costa, JD Wetherspoon and Caffé Nero
- Provide full airport estate management services including leases, re-gears, assignments and sub-lettings
- Support compliance with the Procurement Act, CMA powers and aviation-specific regulatory frameworks
Recent aviation legal projects
Advised a major UK airport on a £160 million development project to transform terminal infrastructure and expand retail and catering offerings, including temporary relocation of caterers, negotiating new concessions and updating lease terms.
Advised on the grant of four separate concession agreements to SSP Group for multiple catering units and on the largest restaurant concession in a UK airport with TRG.
Ongoing lease management for airport tenants, including new leases, renewals, lease re-gears, surrenders and restructures across hangars, stands, catering, retail, logistics and fuel facilities.
Supported an airport on the design, construction, and operation of a large-scale solar PV project adjacent to the runway, ensuring full regulatory compliance and operational safety.
Acted on a complex cross-border dispute relating to the leasing of several aircraft to a Russian charter airline.
Prepared specialist contracts for car hire, taxi, bus, coach and rail services enabling seamless passenger connectivity and integrated airport operations.
Partnering with in-house teams for smarter legal delivery
We understand the commercial and legal challenges airports face. Our team helps you:
- Accelerate deal timelines by using template tender documents and sector-informed agreements
- Reduce negotiation friction by addressing key operator concerns early and clearly
- Navigate complex compliance across procurement, data privacy and competition law
- Ensure smooth integration across related practice areas including property, commercial, regulatory and disputes
Talk to our aviation lawyers
Whether you are overseeing a terminal expansion, negotiating high-value concessions or reviewing supplier contracts, we can help. Contact our team today to discuss how Freeths can support your airport or aviation legal needs.
Testimonials
CD
“Pro-active and easy to deal with – very personable, great energy and also highly professional.”
Commercial Director, Bristol Airport
"Freeths have shown a capability to provide legal support of the highest standard on projects and bring in specialists when required and often at s...
The Legal 500, 2025
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Whatever your legal needs, our wide ranging expertise is here to support you and your business, so let’s start your legal journey today and get you in touch with the right lawyer to get you started.
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