Noise pollution to be restricted in London airports?

The government has long been concerned about the levels of noise pollution in the London area owing to flights coming and going from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airports.

Last year, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that it would extend the existing restrictions on night flights at the airport for a further two years.

However, the DfT has recently come together to seek advice on a number of topics surrounding night flights, one being noise pollution.

"If airport capacity is allowed to grow, it is essential that the aviation industry continues to tackle its noise impact in order that the benefits are shared between airports and local communities," the DfT explained.

It called upon the public to give their views, as well as evidence, on the levels of noise pollution in the area.

"This is an open call for evidence and we want to gather evidence now to help us assess the relative feasibility of different options," it explained in the executive summary.

Although noise pollution is a serious concern for the DfT and the airports, it has also been reported that restricting the number of flights would be detrimental to the British economy.

Indeed, the aviation sector is vital to the economy as it keeps Britain as a business capital of the world.
 
According to ABTA, the Travel Association, airlines need to operate at night to maximize the usage of their aircraft.

"The real effect of more restrictions on night flights would inevitably be higher air fares and holiday costs for the consumer," it explained.
 
According to the DfT, the restrictions currently in place, called the night flying regime, are based on: setting a limit on the overall number of night flights; placing restrictions on the noisiest aircraft types; and setting noise quotas which cap the amount of noise energy which can be emitted at night over the course of the regime.

The new regime and any potential changes to flights at night will be announced by spring 2014.