The main objectives of airspace planning are:
1.To maximize the efficient use of airspace.
2.To maintain the level of safety applicable to air traffic operations within such airspace.

In order to achieve this objective, the airspace structure should be based on common rules which includes to airspace design, lateral and vertical limits and designation.
Within the context of airspace planning and design, the attention of airspace planners and designers is drawn to the following ICAO safety requirements which are not limited to ICAO references that are listed in:
- Protected airspace, (Annex 2);
- Aeronautical Charts, (Annex 4);
- ATS management, CTR/CTA and ATS routes, (Annex 11);
- Safety assessments, (Doc 4444), Chapter 2;
- PANS-OPS, (Doc 8168) Vol. II;
- Determination of spacing between ATS routes, (Doc 9426);
- Establishment of separation minima, (Doc 9689)
- Military activities regard civil traffic: Principle of ‘Due regard for the safety of navigation of civil aircraft’ as the Chicago Convention, (Doc 7300) Art. 3 (d).