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24
Aug
Leeds Bradford Airport proposes shortening night-time hours
Leeds Bradford Airport has paved the way for more early morning flights by applying to shorten night-time hours.
The airport’s night-time hours are currently 11pm to 6.59am. During this period, the number of flights is restricted and only the quietest jets are allowed to operate.
But the airport, which is 51% owned by Spanish airport operator Aena, announced today (August 24) it had submitted proposals to Leeds City Council to shorten night-time hours to 11.30pm to 5.59am.
This proposed daily 90-minute reduction would allow more flights between 11pm and 11.30pm and 6am and 7am.
The move, which would bring Leeds Bradford in line with most other UK airports, is likely to please holidaymakers but heighten noise concerns among nearby residents.
However, the airport claimed that other night flight changes put forward today mean it would “match the existing noise footprint” rather than increase it.
The other suggestions include introducing a night noise insulation scheme and converting the current system of air traffic movement restrictions to a quota count system.
Night flights have been permitted under restrictions at Leeds Bradford Airport since 1994.
Airport chief executive Vincent Hodder said “modernising operating conditions that were introduced more than three decades ago” was an important part of the airport “transforming into a modern gateway for Yorkshire and a catalyst for regional growth”.
Mr Hodder added:
It enables us to encourage quieter, cleaner aircraft while maintaining robust environmental controls and providing meaningful support for our neighbours.
This is about creating a stronger, more sustainable and better-connected Yorkshire for the decades ahead, this is not the ‘thousands more night flights’ some would claim. The quota count system Leeds Bradford Airport is applying for is set to match the existing noise footprint. The same noise limits, allocated differently.
Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy described today’s announcement as “welcome news, both for the regional economy and for local holidaymakers”.
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