From 31st October 2025, significant changes to the UK General Aviation Report (GAR) process will come into effect, impacting pilots flying between the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain. These changes are part of the UK’s implementation of the General Aviation (Persons on Board, Flight Information and Civil Penalties) Regulations 2024, which aim to enhance border security and streamline customs compliance for general aviation flights.
One of the most notable changes is the requirement for mandatory electronic submission of GARs. Pilots and operators will no longer be able to submit GARs via email or fax; instead, all reports must be submitted online through approved platforms. This move is intended to improve efficiency and reduce errors in the reporting process.
In addition to the digital shift, the new regulations introduce civil penalties for non-compliance. Pilots and operators who fail to submit a GAR correctly or within the required timeframe may face fines of up to £10,000 per breach. This underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to the updated procedures.
The scope of the GAR requirement has also expanded. The regulations now apply to all international flights, including those within the Common Travel Area (CTA), which comprises the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. Pilots must submit their GARs no earlier than 48 hours and no later than 2 hours before departure (where appropriate), whether the flight is inbound or outbound.
To comply with the new rules, pilots can submit GARs via the UK Government’s free online portal at Submit a GAR, or through third-party apps such as SkyDemon, RocketRoute, and OnlineGAR.
Flights to and from the Republic of Ireland
When departing from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland or Great Britain, pilots are required to submit a GAR at least 12 hours before departure. This can be done using the UK’s online GAR portal or any of the approved third-party applications. It’s important to note that GAR submission does not replace the need for a flight plan or PPR, and flights must operate from designated or approved aerodromes.
For flights arriving into the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland or Great Britain, a GAR must also be submitted 12 hours prior to arrival. In addition to the UK GAR, pilots must notify Irish Customs using the appropriate form. This notification is separate and must be sent directly to Irish authorities to ensure compliance with Irish border and customs regulations.
Special considerations apply to flights involving Northern Ireland, particularly when using non-designated ports such as private airfields. In these cases, pilots must submit GARs to both the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and HMRC. Notifications should be sent via email to portsintelligenceunit@psni.police.uk and ncu@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk. However, flights arriving at designated airports such as Belfast International, Belfast City, or City of Derry do not require a GAR.
With the new GAR regulations coming into force, Irish pilots must ensure they are fully compliant to avoid penalties and operational delays. The transition to digital submission is designed to improve efficiency and border security, but it also places greater responsibility on operators to understand and follow the correct procedures. Pilot might also find this new website useful, to help you figure out if a GAR is required, and if so, the timelines for filing: https://www.garornogar.co.uk/
