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Heathrow third runway: Airport pledges a ban on night flights and noise pollution curbs

Heathrow Airport has promised to reduce night flights and curb environmental impacts if it is given the go ahead to build a third runway.

In a letter, sent to the Prime Minister David Cameron today, Heathrow Chief Executive John Holland-Kaye is to outline the hub airport’s ‘world leading, ambitious and affordable plan’ that includes a ban on scheduled flights between 23:00 and 5:30 and proposals for the airport to be held accountable for noise pollution.

The letter is to demonstrate to the Government that plans for a third runway at Heathrow have met, or even exceeded, the Airport Commission’s recommendations last summer, which backed a third runway at Heathrow provided certain conditions were met.

In the letter, Holland-Kaye, notes: “You set up the Airports Commission and it unanimously recommended expanding Heathrow. You demanded ambitious plans from my team to deliver expansion with a bold and fair deal for our neighbours.

“Today, I am proud to submit a comprehensive plan that meets and exceeds your demands. This is a big commitment from us, but it is the right choice for the country, local communities and jobs across Britain.

“We have acted now to let you and your government make the right choice, in the long term interest of our country. It will enable you to choose Heathrow and secure a stronger economy and Britain’s place in the world.”

Heathrow’s ‘comprehensive plans’ include the six and a half hour ban on night flights, an increase on the five hour night flight restrictions currently in place.

The report also includes proposals for the Environmental Agency to take responsibility for aviation air quality, so that it can independently scrutinise the airport’s air quality measures and so-called ‘noise envelope’.

The letter and release marks another facet of Heathrow’s intensive publicity campaign to drum up support for a third runway, ahead of the government’s decision this summer which could see Heathrow, Gatwick or one of a number of third options, given the go ahead for expansion to support the UK’s air traffic requirements.