Government wins Night Flight Court Case
Today it was announced that campaigners have lost their battle with the UK Government to ban night flights at Heathrow, the UK's biggest airport as the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg ruled that night flights did not breach citizens' right to the "peaceful enjoyment" of their homes.
Last year the eight members of the Heathrow anti-noise group, HACAN ClearSkies, had won their case in Strasbourg last year.
Arguing that an end to night flights would cause severe disruption to British airlines and give rival European airlines an unfair advantage the UK government appealed.
Tony McNulty Aviation Minister said: "The Government welcomes the court's final judgment.
"The Grand Chamber has provided the much needed clarity that the Government and others were looking for..... today's judgment clears the way for a thorough review of policy on night flights at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.
"In the meantime, while the Government welcomes today's judgment, it will need to consider its implications very carefully."
8th July 2003
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Associated articles:
Richmond first with night flights cash 31.05.02
Wandsworth makes cash call to save night flights ruling May 2002
Residents face fresh night flights challenge April 2002
Night flights ruling could come before Christmas November 2002