industry and local communities will have a say on night-time
flying at Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick
consultation recommends continuing current quotas and limits
updated guidance on night flight dispensations also
published today to help airports and airlines better understand
process for allowing night flights
Residents and businesses are being asked for views
on continuing the existing night flight regime for 3 of
the UK’s busiest airports as part of a consultation launched
today (22 February 2024).
Starting from October 2025, the proposed regime would continue to
limit the number of flights that take off and land at Heathrow,
Stansted and Gatwick between 11:30pm and 6am every day.
Whether travelling to visit loved ones, making connecting flights
for business or simply preferring to fly at night to get a head
start on the day, these night flights can be crucial for many
passengers.
Night flights are also a vital part of global aviation
and provide significant economic benefit to the UK, helping keep
the flow of people, goods and services moving and supporting
thousands of jobs as a result.
The consultation will seek views on proposals and give the
industry a vital say on what would work best for them as
they recover from the pandemic. It would also let local
communities share any concerns about noise, pollution, or wider
feedback on how the airports operate at night.
However, as new technology continues to transform and innovate
the aviation industry, aircraft are becoming quieter and will be
less intrusive to the areas surrounding these big airports.
The consultation comes with a recommendation of continuing the
same quotas and limits on night flights, allowing the 3
noise-designated airports to continue their post-pandemic
recovery and providing the best balance for both businesses and
residents.
Also published today is updated guidance on night
flight dispensations to help airports and airlines, as well
as local communities, better understand the process for applying
special considerations to permit flights outside of usual
restrictions.
