Aircraft are becoming quieter as technology advances and this is expected to continue. However, the UK government recognises that noise from aircraft taking off and landing at night is often regarded by communities as the most disturbing form of airport operations.
Now, the government is committing to its review of night flight policy with a new consultation on the noise objectives for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports.
The review will ensure that aircraft operations at those airports are managed, so that the negative impacts of night flying on local residents do not outweigh the positive benefits they bring to the wider economy.
Aircraft are becoming quieter as technology advances and we expect this trend to continue. However, the government recognises that noise from aircraft taking off and landing at night is often regarded by communities as the most disturbing form of airport operations.
Night flights
Aviation minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton said: “There’s no doubt night flights have an effect on local residents underneath busy flightpaths, but as aircraft become quieter, we have an opportunity to strike a balance to make sure we can support the aviation industry without having a debilitating impact on people’s lives.
“This consultation will help us to shape policy and create a flightpath towards a more sustainable approach to night-time aviation noise.”
Night flights are an important part of operations at airports around the world and provide significant economic benefit to the UK, helping keep the flow of people, goods and services moving in and out of the country and supporting thousands of jobs as a result.
The six-week consultation on night-time noise abatement objectives will allow the Government to seek views and evidence from the industry and communities.
The objectives informed by the consultation will set the groundwork for future measures on how to manage aviation noise at night at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports from October 2025.
