Early morning flights will be even earlier next week

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as BAA announce temporary changes to Heathrow operations

People under the Heathrow flight path can expect more early morning flights next week following temporary changes to airport operations announced by BAA.

A number of arrivals that are normally scheduled after 6am will be brought forward. BAA say this will ease conditions during peak periods while air traffic controllers are switching to a new control tower.

Residents affected by night flights will notice the extra traffic between 5am and 6am from April 21. BAA say the changes ill last for 'a few days.'

If delays build up, a small number of arrivals and departures will also be permitted after 11.30 pm.

Wandsworth Council leader Edward Lister speaking on behalf of the 2M Group said: "These additional flights will be coming in at a time of year when
many people will have their windows open so the noise nuisance will be greater. We will want to see all the extra flights counted against the night
time quota. Although the changes have been introduced on a temporary basis we will be concerned if the disruption continues beyond the 'few days' promised.

"Many of us are concerned that the environmental arguments for an end to night flights are being ignored by the airlines who continue to lobby for more slots in the early morning period. The pressure for extra capacity can only grow with the advent of the new Open Skies agreement."

The number of night flights is currently controlled by a noise quota system. Last year local authorities led by 2M Group members forced the Government to back down on plans to remove existing limits on the number of night flights permitted to land at UK airports.

Residents concerned by aircraft noise can call BAA on 0800 344 844 or email noise_complaints@baa.com The 2M Group is an alliance of 12 local authorities concerned at the environmental impact of Heathrow expansion on their communities. The group aims to present a common voice for the 2 million people whose quality of life is affected by Heathrow The 2M membership comprises the London Boroughs of Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth, the boroughs of Slough, Spelthorne and Windsor and Maidenhead and South Bucks District Council.

 

April 26, 2007