No Night Flight Changes Until Summer 2015

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Government confirms plan to increase Heathrow night flights on hold

The airports commission chaired by Sir Howard has recommended that the nightly quota is increased from 16 to 35 flights this year as part of a package of short term measures for improving efficiency at the west London airport.

The proposed change, which Davies calls ‘early morning smoothing’, is strongly opposed by Wandsworth Council and local people kept awake by pre-6am flights.

The Government has now decided that the short term recommendations will not be considered until summer next year when the commission publishes its final recommendations on new runways.

The existing Heathrow night flight regime, which expires in October this year, will now be extended.

Leader of Wandsworth Council, Ravi Govindia, said: “We’re relieved the Government hasn’t approved Davies’ plans but this is a missed opportunity to rule them out altogether. Doubling night flights would severely damage our residents’ quality of life and we don’t want this threat hanging over us for another year.

“This council has fought for years for a night flights ban and challenged the current scheme in the courts. One arrival before 6am is one too many. Our community is entitled to a decent night’s sleep.

“Heathrow is located in the most densely populated part of the country so relaxing flight restrictions or expanding the airport will do the maximum damage.”

To sign up for the council’s Heathrow e-newsletter email aviation@wandsworth.gov.uk with ‘subscribe’ in the subject box.

More information is online at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/heathrow

To let Sir Howard Davies know your views email Howard.Davies@airports.gsi.gov.uk

To let the Transport Secretary know your views email transportsecretary@dft.gsi.gov.uk

To report noise complaints to Heathrow email noise_complaints@heathrow.com or call 0800 344 844


July 15, 2014